Tremendous timing
The Kansas City Chiefs and BetMGM have agreed to a new multi-year deal, anointing the entertainment giant as the team’s exclusive betting partner.
The announcement comes the same day as the state of Kansas’ sports betting launch, although the Chiefs find their home in Kansas City, Missouri, just across the border.
The deal brings BetMGM’s logo to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and will guarantee the company spots on digital advertising boards. BetMGM will contribute extra prizes and gameday experiences to attending and at-home fans.
Positive remarks
The Chiefs have been the most dominant team in the NFL recently, sweetening the deal for BetMGM. If the dynastic franchise can make another deep run in the postseason, having reached four straight AFC Championship games, they will bring even more eyes to BetMGM.
BetMGM, however, is more excited by the chance to link up with a spirited team and its following.
“With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Kansas City Chiefs are an ideal partner,” said BetMGM chief revenue officer Matt Prevost. “As we launch our sports betting platform in Kansas, we look forward to elevating the game day experience for Chiefs fans throughout the region.”
Chiefs’ brass is optimistic that legislation will eventually pass despite multiple failures.
The Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is a major proponent of sports betting and has backed several legalization pushes in Missouri. The most recent attempt made more headway than any before it, though it, too, failed. Chiefs’ brass is optimistic that legislation will eventually pass despite multiple failures.
Chiefs President Mark Donovan delivered his verdict on the partnership, declaring it a resounding success.
“As an industry leader in the space, we are excited to welcome BetMGM to Chiefs Kingdom,” said Donovan. “We have invested significant time and energy advocating for sports wagering legislation and today’s announcement is going to open the doors for our fans to add to their experience for the 2022 season and beyond.”
BetMGM expands its reach
BetMGM’s deal with the Chiefs adds to its existing coalition with the NFL and Canadian Football League (CFL). As a result, they have created a massive presence on the gridiron.
This is also not the first time that BetMGM has attached itself to a team where sports betting is illegal. In early May, the betting operator struck a deal with the Houston Astros to become their betting partner, despite sports betting not being legal in Texas yet.
BetMGM is one of the six sportsbooks that have launched in nearby Kansas, and the deal with the Chiefs could help it wield its influence in that market. With competition from FanDuel, DraftKings, and other premier options, any bit of help matters.
Chiefs officials even suggested they could move to Kansas if sports betting is not legalized in Missouri
Missouri has debated sports betting five years in a row and could finally acquiesce to pro-gamblers’ demands. Chiefs officials even suggested they could move to Kansas if sports betting is not legalized in Missouri, although they have since downplayed that idea.
KC kicks off its season on the road against the Arizona Cardinals on September 11. Their first home game will take place on Thursday night, September 15, when the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers come to Arrowhead.