BetMGM has become an official sports betting sponsor of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team.
The sponsorship precedes the launch of legalised sports betting in Ohio, which will take place on January 1 2023.
The bills that introduced sports betting in the state – Senate Bill 176 and House Bill 29 – were introduced in May 2021. Eventually, an evolved version of House Bill 29 made it to Ohio’s state House and Senate, where it was passed.
The multi-year deal involves plans to open a BetMGM sportsbook at Great American Ball Park, the home stadium of the Cincinnati Reds.
Once opened, this will be BetMGM’s second sportsbook at a Major League Baseball stadium. The first is at Nationals Park in Washington DC, which opened at the beginning of the year.
“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of our plans to create the most entertaining and dynamic sports betting experiences in Ohio,” said Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM.
“Through our relationships with the Reds and MGM Northfield Park, we look forward to bringing unique BetMGM content to Ohio’s passionate sports fans.”
The deal will also involve BetMGM signage being displayed at Great American Ball Park, and a VIP experience for fans, including on-field access for batting practice.
“With sports gaming coming to Ohio, the Reds sought to bring the highest quality operator to our ballpark for those fans who choose to participate in sports gaming,” said Doug Healy, chief financial officer for the Cincinnati Reds.
“BetMGM is renowned for their expertise in entertainment and sports gaming, and we believe their brand best fits our high customer standards and will also help draw visitors to our city.”