The New York Jets have become the third NFL American football franchise to sign a deal with an online casino operator after teaming up with 888 Holdings.
The New York Post said the deal, terms of which were undisclosed, will be formally unveiled later this week, but evidence of the agreement has already been on display.
The newspaper said several three-storey high banners emblazoned with ‘888.com’ – the gambling site operated by 888 Holdings – are now on show at MetLife Stadium, the home of the Jets and rival NFL team the Giants.
With 888 also operating a sports betting platform, questions have been raised over how the deal will tie in with the NFL’s policy on sports betting. NFL rules prevent the advertising of sports-betting sites, aside from fantasy-sports sites at stadia and on its broadcasts.
The newspaper said sources close to the Jets claim advertising under its deal falls within league policy as it doesn’t specifically name 888sport, the company’s sports betting site.
Earlier this month, the Baltimore Ravens became the second NFL franchise to partner with a casino brand after signing a multi-year deal with the Horseshoe Casino in the city’s southern district. The Dallas Cowboys last month signed a new sponsorship deal with WinStar Casino.
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.