The US sports betting giant DraftKings has agreed a new partnership with the National Football League’s (NFL) Baltimore Ravens.
This comes as the state of Maryland makes slow progress on the implementation of the state’s sports betting rules.
What’s covered in the deal?
Under the agreement, DraftKings will become the Ravens’ official daily fantasy sports partner, as well as the team’s official sports betting and free-to-play partner. The length of the deal was not disclosed.
DraftKings has similar partnerships in place with four other NFL teams and also serves as the NFL’s exclusive official daily fantasy partner.
As part of the deal, DraftKings branding will be displayed throughout the team’s M&t Bank Stadium and the sportsbook operator will have access to a suite at the facility.
On top of this, DraftKings branding and custom content will be featured on the team’s official podcast and DraftKings will become the title sponsor of the Baltimore WBAL-1090 News Radio’s Gameday Insider pregame show.
DraftKings will also serve as a presenting sponsor of the Raven Wired video online content series and participate in homepage takeovers on the Ravens’ official site.
Fans of the team will have chances to win prizes such as autographed merchandise and away game trips by playing DraftKings’ daily fantasy and sportsbook contests.
Ezra Kucharz, DraftKings’ Chief Business Officer said: “With the start of the 2021 NFL season upon us, our latest designation with the Baltimore Ravens further exemplifies our commitment to fan engagement by way of the DraftKings experience.
“The newly penned relationship offers something for every kind of sports fan and will allow them to engage with DraftKings’ digital content, free-to-play product, daily fantasy sports and, perhaps soon, sports betting, to ultimately bring them closer to the action alongside one of the top teams from the AFC North.”
Ravens chief sales officer Kevin Rochlitz added: “This partnership reflects our continued commitment to delivering unique engagement experiences for our fans.
“We’re proud to collaborate with an industry leader in DraftKings, and we look forward to seeing the innovative ways in which we’ll better connect with the Ravens fans across our many platforms.”
What’s happening with sports betting in Maryland?
In May, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed legislation permitting sports wagering into law.
Lawmakers planned to get sports betting up and running this fall, at least by the World Series.
The sports betting rules process has made slow progress, and an official launch date for the activity cannot be set until the rules are published by the Maryland Register.
Once the rules have been published by the Maryland Registrar, a 30-day public comment period can begin.
The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission can award up to 30 Class B licenses and up to 60 mobile sports betting licenses. But first, the Commission must create a scoring system to award competitive licenses.
On Monday, the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission held its first meeting. The Commission passed the designated licensees onto the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, to perform background checks and award licenses.