Taking bets on sports has become legal in the US. A number of sports leagues have partnered with betting operators to bring legalized sports betting to their fans. These official sports betting partnerships give the industry’s leading players a chance to align their businesses and products in a mutually beneficial manner. These collaborations may not come in one-off deals, but are the result of years of long-term relationships between companies.
One of the first official betting partnerships came in the form of DraftKings and the PGA TOUR. The sportsbook operator was granted the title of “Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR” by the TOUR in July, making it the first company in the US to be given the distinction. The deal also gives the betting operator the rights to advertise on TOUR media and platforms and to create pre-game and in-game betting programming. It also grants the company the right to use the TOUR logo and trademarks in the United States.
Another partnership in the official betting space came in the form of the PGA TOUR and IMG ARENA. The PGA TOUR partnered with the latter to provide its members with live scoring data, allowing for more accurate scoring in tournaments. In addition, the TOUR partnered with PointsBet, the NBC Sports-affiliated sports betting operator, to provide the operator with advertising on its Tigers radio network.
In the coming years, PGA TOUR events will expand significantly. The organization will also partner with IMG ARENA and Genius Sports to develop new products and services that will provide fans with an enhanced and more personalized experience. In the meantime, the TOUR and PGA TOUR officials have begun working together on a comprehensive integrity program that will protect both fans and sportsbooks alike. The TOUR is also a platinum member of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Taking bets on NASCAR is an exciting proposition for sportsbook operators. The racing series has a large fan base, and sportsbooks can capitalize on this by offering NASCAR betting markets. Some sportsbooks even have the option to create more betting markets for the playoffs. These include WynnBET, Fubo, and BetMGM. This new product also gives sportsbooks the ability to take bets on every lap of each race.
The PGA TOUR’s Have A Game Plan campaign is also worth mentioning. Its website is a good place to find information on how to watch, follow, and bet on the sport. The organization is also aligned with the American Gaming Association and has a platinum membership with the National Council on Problem Gambling. In addition, the TOUR has a robust integrity program that was instituted in July of this year.
The MLB and NFL have also entered into official betting partnerships, with Caesars Entertainment and the NFL partnering with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Cincinnati Reds, respectively. The NFL has also signed an exclusive contract with the betting operator DraftKings. While these are not the only sports leagues with partnerships with betting operators, they do provide sportsbooks with a unique opportunity to increase their presence across the country.