Maryland now has legal sports betting, and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens have their first official gaming partner.
Officials on Wednesday announced that the Ravens and BetMGM have inked a multiyear partnership. The financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Additionally, the wording of the announcement suggests it won’t be an exclusive deal with the Ravens.
The announcement came a day after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed HB 940, which created the framework for the legal sports betting market in the state. Maryland officials now hope sportsbooks in Maryland can begin accepting bets before the start of the 2021 NFL season in September.
As part of the Ravens deal, the two-time Super Bowl champs and New Jersey-based BetMGM will collaborate on co-branded promotions for Ravens fans.
Additionally, the Ravens’ home facility, M&T Bank Stadium, will have no shortage of BetMGM branding.
In 2018, the Ravens announced a multiyear marketing deal with Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, the second-largest of six Maryland casinos. The partners are both located in the Southern Gateway Entertainment District in Baltimore. At the time, it was just the second partnership between an NFL team and a casino, behind only a deal the Dallas Cowboys reached with an Oklahoma casino a month earlier.
Baltimore Ravens want to engage you
As with most of these team-operator deals, the Ravens and BetMGM are looking for one simple thing: engagement.
Obviously, many Maryland residents are Ravens backers. And with BetMGM’s massive array of NFL betting options, they’ll have plenty to choose from. BetMGM also plans to provide special promotions geared toward Ravens fans.
Ravens Chief Sales Officer Kevin Rochlitz said:
“When we began the process of carefully identifying sports betting and digital gaming partners, one of our top priorities was finding unique ways for Ravens fans to further engage with the team. We are excited to partner with BetMGM and look forward to the specialized entertainment experience the company will provide for our fans.”
The Ravens and BetMGM will also work on digital media campaigns and integrated social media content.
And BetMGM will have a private hospitality suite within M&T Bank Stadium. The 71,008-capacity stadium is next to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, which is home to MLB’s Baltimore Orioles.
However, it’s not yet clear if BetMGM will be able to offer any type of in-person retail sports betting at the stadium.
An MGM presence in Maryland
The Maryland sports betting market could become the country’s most diverse. Ultimately, MD legislation could allow nearly 100 online and retail sportsbook operators of various sizes.
BetMGM’s parent company, MGM Resorts International, also operates MGM National Harbor in Maryland. The $1.4 billion casino and resort is in the Washington, DC, suburb of Oxon Hill.
MGM National Harbor President and Chief Operating Officer Jorge Perez stated:
“BetMGM’s partnership with the Baltimore Ravens comes at a pivotal time for MGM National Harbor as we usher in the era of legalized sports betting in Maryland. We are confident that we will provide Ravens fans throughout the DMV with new and innovative ways to experience football season before, during and after games at our entertainment resort.”
BetMGM inked a deal with the Washington Nationals earlier this year. Officials plan to operate a BetMGM retail sportsbook at Nationals Park. The BetMGM Sportsbook will also be available in and around the stadium.
