A landmark deal
BetMGM is the first official gaming partner of the Baltimore Ravens. The multi-year deal will see BetMGM collaborate with the NFL franchise to provide promotions for fans of the team. The Ravens announced this new partnership via Twitter on Wednesday:
BetMGM signage will be located around M&T Bank Stadium, in addition to its branding having a presence across the team’s social media and digital media content. The sports betting and online casino operator will also have its own private hospitality suite at the Ravens’ home stadium. The BetMGM app will feature promotions with Ravens-specific marketing campaigns and promotions.
Reaction to the partnership
Speaking about the process of finding a relevant gaming partner, Baltimore Ravens chief sales officer Kevin Rochlitz said: “one of our top priorities was finding unique ways for Ravens fans to further engage with the team.”
BetMGM chief revenue officer Matt Prevost also commented on the deal, saying: “The Ravens are an incredible organization with a rich history, and we’re proud to have BetMGM as the team’s first official partner in the gaming space.”
Chief operating officer and president of MGM National Harbor casino resort Jorge Perez also welcomed this new partnership between BetMGM and the two-time Super Bowl champions. He spoke about how the announcement comes at a “pivotal time for MGM National Harbor” as the rollout of legal sports betting is on the horizon.
Sports betting in Maryland
The sports betting legalization journey in Maryland initially got off the ground following a public referendum in November 2020. However, the regulatory framework for retail and online sports betting in the state was only signed into law on Tuesday by Governor Larry Hogan.
the Ravens will be able to apply to open a retail sportsbook at M&T Bank Stadium
This new framework will officially go into effect on June 1. As part of the new regulations, the Ravens will be able to apply to open a retail sportsbook at M&T Bank Stadium. A total of 100 licenses will be up for grabs.
Expansion efforts
BetMGM is one of the leading operators in the burgeoning sports betting and iGaming sectors in the US. A joint effort between MGM Resorts International and Entain Plc., BetMGM currently has market access in 24 states, with its online sportsbooks being live in a dozen states. It also has online casinos in certain regions, as well as poker sites in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In addition to this deal with the Ravens, BetMGM also has official partnerships with a number of NFL teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets.
The Ravens already have an official casino partner in the form of the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. The Caesars Entertainment-owned property is within walking distance of the team’s home field. The organization also has Esports Entertainment Group on board as its official esports partner.