Sports360AZ
Story by Brandon Bonaparte
Ever since the federal ban was lifted in May 2018, sports betting is becoming an integral part of high-level athletics. States like Tennessee and Colorado were the most recent to join the party, officially legalizing sports betting within the past year.
With rapid changes in the sports gambling industry, teams are trying to explore the boundaries. The Washington Nationals announced in early January their plans to open a sportsbook within their stadium, allowing fans to bet on the game they are currently attending.
A BetMGM sportsbook at Nationals Park is tentatively scheduled to open this summer, with betting windows, electronic betting kiosks, food and drink. The app could be live by Opening Day (via @ScottSAllen https://t.co/39CrstZSyh
— Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) January 11, 2021
The Nationals gaming partner, BetMGM, also made headlines in November when they announced a partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, when fans are watching the Steelers Kickoff pregame show (now presented by BetMGM), they will be promptly reminded of sports wagering.
Inbox: BetMGM is now the first sports betting partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The sportsbook app should launch in PA later this year.
BetMGM is now a partner of six NFL teams: Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, and Tennessee Titans. pic.twitter.com/UN71v4LWv3
— Pat Evans (@patevans) November 24, 2020
This coincides with the news back in February 2020, when the NFL made waves allowing gambling lounges to be built in each teams’ stadium. Of course, to do this, the state the team is located in has to have legalized wagering on sports.
Rumors even circulated earlier this week of a potential casino being built inside of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
❗| Real Madrid is building a casino inside the new Santiago Bernabeu. The project will generate income of €120M for the club. A new museum, a space for events and shops will be also build. @defcentral pic.twitter.com/syg5MzL6AV
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 30, 2021
However, to the disappointment of many, these rumors were later rejected, as reported by Forbes.
Outside of the NFL, many other leagues are cashing in on the newfound legalization. Much like the Steelers, the WWE announced Monday its partnership with DraftKings. Once again, the term “official gaming partner” was used.
.@DraftKings will get exclusive branding at @WWE PPV events as part of a deal making it an official gaming partner of the WWE, which will launch with a jointly branded free-to-play pool around #WrestleMania 37 (@Bill_KingSBJ).
Free to read ⤵️ https://t.co/jYfsJvjrdN
— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) March 29, 2021
While already gaining a partnership this week, DraftKings stayed on the front page of papers. The day after the WWE news broke, DraftKings announced its’ acquisition of VSiN, a sports gambling-based network headed by longtime ESPN commentator Brent Musburger.
Today, @DraftKings announced that it has acquired @VSiNLive, a leading, authentic voice in sports betting news, data and analysis. More details on the deal here: https://t.co/ht8VwRkDLe pic.twitter.com/npD8ydBArI
— DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) March 30, 2021
As more time passes and more partnerships come to fruition, the country-wide legalization of sports betting will continue to fall into place. As for Arizona, the possibility of legalized sports wagering remains up in the air. However, for sources such as the Action Network, it is believed to occur sooner rather than later.
