BetMGM’s pending arrival in Pennsylvania kicked off Tuesday with the announcement of a multi-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The online sportsbook has grown its media footprint steadily since hiring chief operating officer Ryan Spoon from ESPN last month. Parent company MGM touted BetMGM as the company’s 2020 bright spot during its Q3 earnings report on Oct. 31.
At the time, CEO Bill Hornbuckle said, “BetMGM has gained significant momentum. We’re now a top-three operator in every market where it [sports betting] is live.
Among the deal’s details, the partnership provides BetMGM with:
- Title sponsorship of the Steelers Kickoff pregame show
- Ad spots during the “Mike Tomlin Weekly Press Conference,” Steelers Weekly,” and “The Mike Tomlin Show”
- Digital marketing and in-stadium promotions and signage.
BetMGM will also have full use of the Steelers’ marks and logos in communications across its marketing, product, social media, and digital platforms.
“We are excited to introduce BetMGM to Steelers Nation,” Steelers vice president of sales and marketing Ryan Huzjak said in a statement. “Not only will BetMGM be elevating some of our existing platforms, but they will be introducing new and exciting opportunities to Steelers fans.”
Pennsylvania Playing with a Hot Hand
BetMGM is opening in the Keystone State at an advantageous time.Â
According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) the state’s October 2020 handle was a record $525.8 million. October bested September’s then-record of $462.8 million by 13.6%.
Partnership Starts as Soon as BetMGM Goes Live
The partnership goes will start as soon as BetMGM’s sports wagering and casino gaming receive regulatory approval, which is currently expected to happen sometime in early December, officials said. Online sportsbooks must be certified as a qualified gaming entity (QGE), which usually means having a land-based partner in Pennsylvania. Because MGM owns the Borgata in nearby Atlantic City, NJ, the PGCB is allowing BetMGM to launch an online casino product without an in-state partner.
“We’re thrilled to bring the excitement of BetMGM to Steelers fans,” said Matt Prevost, Chief Revenue Officer of BetMGM. “I can’t think of a better way to kick off our entry into the state than through this monumental partnership.”
BetMGM currently has partnerships with five additional NFL franchises, including the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, and Tennessee Titans.