The Baltimore Ravens have made NFL history after becoming the second franchise to partner with a casino brand.
Last week, the Ravens inked a new multi-year deal with the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore’s southern district. Horseshoe is a casino chain owned by Las Vegas-based Caesar’s Entertainment Corp.
As part of the deal, Horseshoe will gain brand exposure at the Ravens’ newly renovated M&T Bank Stadium, both on video boards and other signage.
Ravens insignia will also feature at the Horseshoe Casino during on-site promotions, and will be visible at a co-branded Ravens casino bar.
The Ravens are now the second NFL franchise to partner with a casino brand, after the Dallas Cowboys signed a new sponsorship deal with WinStar Casino last month.
In this year’s off-season, the NFL relaxed its rules against gambling associations – such as casinos – partnering with clubs.
The move came after a US Supreme Court judgement in May this year, which granted individual states new powers to legalise sports betting.
Experts say the NFL now stands upon on a ‘goldmine’ of potential revenue, and looks set to generate huge windfalls from sports betting this season.
Last month, a Nielsen survey for the American Gaming Association suggested the NFL could raise $2.3bn (€2bn) per year in additional revenue from bets placed on games and from gambling sponsorship deals.