Caesars Sportsbook Partners with LSU Athletics
Caesars Sportsbook has found a way into college athletics…
Since the Supreme Court eliminated the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, sports betting operators have been partnering with professional sports teams. Many states have crafted regulations, allowing sportsbooks to sign deals with professional franchises to generate betting revenue. Yet, college athletic programs have not been included in this wave.
All legal betting states have different rules surrounding sports betting for college athletics. The common rule for states is to allow college wagering but exclude all in-state programs. However, there are some states that allow betting on in-state programs, such as Louisiana.
Louisiana sports betting law opened the door for an operator top partner with the Louisiana State University, and Caesars inked the deal. The partnership between Caesars Sportsbook and LSU is unprecedented in the gaming industry, but it should start a trend throughout the nation.
Details of the Partnership
The partnership between Caesars Entertainment and LSU marks the first time a major college athletics program has paired with a betting operator. The multi-year deal was announced on September 17, will focus on alumni and fan engagement.
Chris Holdren, the Co-President of Caesars Digital, was quoted in the press release.
He said, “LSU Athletics programs have always exemplified excellence, and at Caesars, we couldn’t be happier to partner with such an iconic brand in college athletics. We have a proud legacy in Louisiana and bringing LSU fans and alumni closer to the sports they love while also offering scholarship opportunities will help us build upon that.”
Caesars will earn multiple marketing opportunities through the partnership, including the naming rights for the new Caesars Sportsbook Skyline Club at Tiger Stadium. The signage started to be displayed for the Tigers’ home game on September 18, for LSU’s contest against Central Michigan.
Caesars will also receive signage at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Alex Box Stadium, and branding on the LSU sports app. LSU Director of Athletics Scott Woodward was ecstatic to be the first program to partner with a sports betting operator.
“LSU has always taken pride in providing fans with unique, innovative, and world-class experiences, and our new partnership with Caesars Entertainment will do just that. We share a clear vision of how athletics and entertainment can come together to enhance the fan experience, and we are excited to join with Caesars to make that vision a reality.”
The partnership will help Caesars continue its domination of Louisiana. The sportsbook recently purchased the naming right to the Superdome where the Saints play their home games. Additionally, the company will be rebranding Harrah’s New Orleans to Caesars New Orleans and Isle of Capri Lake Charles to Horseshoe Lake Charles.
The development of college athletic programs partnering with sports betting operators will likely be slow. This deal is still a major story in the sports betting industry that will slowly revolutionize the market.
