Bengals and BetFred partnership takes Ohio off guard
Staff Last updated: Finally, the Cincinnati Bengals are joining the Ohio Sports betting scene, which is set to launch on January 1, 2023. This is after the NFL team have agreed to a multi-year deal with BetFred Ohio. Under this deal, BetFred will become the team’s official betting partner.
During Wednesday’s announcement, the Bengals chief marketing officer & vice president stated that the partnership was an opportunity for the team to engage and enhance their fans’ experience. He further elaborated during the news release that they are looking forward to collaborating with Betfred to create fun, fan-centric activations that add to the fervor on game day.
The application for a Type-A sports gaming license came in last week. This was just in time before the closure of the first application window. Cincinnati Bengals join the list of first operators who will roll out their operations once the calendar flips to January 1, 2023.
Betfred USA brings 50 years of experience to the partnership deal. The company is a subsidiary of the UK-based BetFred Group and was founded in 2019 in the US. In the UK, BetFred group tops the list in the gaming industry and operates over 1,400 betting shops.
Currently, Betfred Sports operates in six states; Arizona, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Washington, and Colorado. Ohio joins in as the seventh state.
BetFred Sports to launch mobile betting app
In line with Betfred’s expansion strategy in the US, its Ohio mobile betting app is set to debut once sports betting goes live in 2023. As noted by Betfred Group Chief Operating Officer Mark Stebbings, the partnership with the Bengals comes as an exciting opportunity.
During the news release, Mark Stebbings also said that the premier franchise of the Bengals has a dedicated fan base and a background of innovation. Moreover, they are looking forward to connecting with fans all over the state by introducing them to coveted betting promotions all through the year.
The group also stated that Betfred’s partnership with the Bengals would feature promotions, several fan engagement activations, and free-to-play gaming opportunities.
Although the exact details of the multi-year partnership remain scanty, bettors can expect an enhanced fan experience from the deal.
With the Buckeye State being among the few states with teams from each of the four major leagues, sports bettors can expect loads of betting action. In addition, the state also hosts two Major League Soccer franchises and high-profile college athletics.
Betfred’s presence in the US
In less than four years, Betfred has made landmark deals as it seeks to expand in the US. The company has delivered a series of digital and retail operations, and its partnership with the Bengals is only the latest.
Betfred first rolled out sports betting in Iowa and Colorado. In Iowa, the operator partnered with Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort to launch its first retail sportsbook. This was then followed by the establishment of the first online sportsbook in the state.
In Colorado, Betfred partnered with Saratoga Casino Black Hawk to launch their second retail sportsbook and, consequently, a mobile wagering app. In a bid to expand more in Colorado, Betfred entered into a sponsorship deal with Colorado Rockies, an MLB team. The operator is their official betting partner.
Other notable partnerships include Betfred’s deal with Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The signed deal yielded the launch of sports betting in We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Arizona. Sports betting will be done through eight sports betting kiosks set for completion next year.
Betfred Sports USA also has expansion plans in Louisiana through Paragon Casino. The operator plans to open a Vegas-styled sportsbook in the Draft Room.
Other partnerships with Ohio pro teams
The Cincinnati Bengals’ partnership with Betfred is not the first in Ohio. Even with the launch of legal sports betting months away, local operators have snapped partnerships with Ohio’s teams.
Several pro teams have also scored multi-year deals with premier operators in the country. For example, the Cleveland Browns secured a deal with Bally Bet Ohio early this year. This multi-year deal will include an online Bally Bet sports book app and a lounge for Bally’s sports betting inside First Energy Stadium.
Caesars Sportsbook Ohio also made a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This came in February this year and includes plans to launch a sportsbook in retail at the Rocket Mortgage Field House.
Apart from Caesars Sportsbook, the Cleveland Cavaliers are also involved with Fubo Sportsbook Ohio. A sports betting lounge inside Rocket Mortgage Field House will be the highlight of the agreement, and the sports book will use this lounge to provide fans with game-day special offers.
The Columbus Crew secured a deal with Tipico Sportsbook Ohio early in January. The agreement stated that Tipico would be a long-term betting partner of the Major League Soccer franchise. Their deal also covers the operator’s mobile betting app launch, with investments in Lower.com pitch.
