Major League Soccer and MGM Resorts International have outlined the detail of their multi-year gaming and sports betting partnership.
The deal names MGM Resorts as the league’s first Official Gaming Partner, and Roar Digital – a joint venture between MGM and global betting group GVC – as the exclusive Official Sports Betting Partner of MLS.
Under the deal, the two companies will promote a range of the offerings, including Roar’s playMGM mobile sports betting app, across league media platforms.
The companies will also work together to develop an exclusive ‘Free to Play’ game for fans and to organise soccer events and other fan experiences in Las Vegas.
Branding rights include television-visible signage for both companies across all 100-plus nationally-broadcast MLS games, including the MLS All-Star Game and the MLS Cup championship game.
MGM Resorts will also get integration rights across MLS social and digital channels, including an exclusive digital content series.
The landmark deal further provides MGM Resorts and Roar with access to:
- Enhanced MLS data for fans and sports betting customers
- MLS-themed sweepstakes and prizes
- Match footage and photography
- Use of MLS talent
- Hospitality and event opportunities
MLS commissioner Don Garber said: “MGM Resorts is a leader in sports betting, and they recognise the progress of our league and the growth of the sport in the United States and Canada.
“Together, we will deliver cutting-edge data and analytics to MLS fans, and fan engagement will be the driving force behind every initiative in our partnership.”
As part of the agreement, both organisations will work together to protect the integrity of MLS matches.