Ohio-based National Football League (NFL) franchise the Cincinnati Bengals has entered a partnership with the Betfred USA arm of bookmaker Betfred.
Under the multi-year deal, Betfred will become the team’s official sports betting partner.
The partnership will also include a range of fan engagement activations, promotions and free-to-play gaming opportunities.
Betfred has plans to launch a mobile sports betting app in Ohio, pending the appropriate licensing and regulatory approvals. The US state is due to open its legal sports betting market on 1 January 2023.
Earlier this week, the Bengals applied for a sports betting licence in Ohio, becoming the first professional sports team to submit an application. If the franchise was to secure a licence, it would become a type-A sports gaming proprietor, allowing it to offer an online product
“The Bengals continue to look for exciting new ways to enhance the fan experience and this partnership will provide additional opportunities to engage with our fans,” Bengals vice president and chief marketing officer Brian Sells said. “We look forward to working with Betfred to create fun, fan-focused activations that add to the excitement on gameday.”
Betfred Group chief operating officer Mark Stebbings added: “This is an exciting opportunity to partner with the Bengals as we continue to expand Betfred across the US and into Ohio with the launch of sports betting in the near future.
“The Bengals are a premier franchise with a passionate fanbase and a history of innovation that aligns with our brand. We look forward to engaging with fans across the state as we introduce them to unique betting promotions and content throughout the year.”