The Cleveland Browns have announced a partnership agreement with Bally’s Interactive that will see the gambling company become the NFL team’s official sports betting partner.
Sports betting is set to launch in Ohio no later than January 1st, 2023
According to a press release, the deal will see Bally’s open a sports betting lounge at FirstEnergy Stadium pending regulatory and licensing approvals. Bally’s will also launch a mobile sports betting app and could launch free-to-play betting products ahead of the launch in a similar move to that of betJACK which became Ohio’s first mobile sportsbook app in early April 2022.
Speaking of the new deal, Haslam Sports Group Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins said:
“In addition to their incredible resources and expertise, Bally’s Interactive has the fan-first mindset that is consistent with our focus and pivotal to creating successful, fully-integrated sports betting experiences, and we look forward to supporting Bally’s efforts to provide these innovative opportunities to Browns fans and all sports fans in Ohio in the near future. As we continue to work closely with sports betting regulators in our state to ensure a responsible and timely launch, we are excited and confident that our partnership with Bally’s will ultimately offer industry-leading benefits to fans throughout Cleveland and Ohio.”
Adi Dhandhania, Chief Operating Officer of North America for Bally’s Interactive, added:
“We are excited to partner with such a historic pro football franchise to secure sports betting market access in Ohio, and bring to its fan base more ways to engage through our online gaming platforms. The Browns’ stadium and gameday atmosphere provide a great opportunity for us to showcase our Bally Bet Sportsbook app and Bally Play products in Ohio.”
The deal will also see Bally’s create fan-focused digital content that includes Browns-specific promotions and a free-to-play predictor game that will give users the chance to win Browns merchandise and non-cash prizes.
Sports betting in Ohio was legalized in December 2021 with an official launch date for the industry set at no later than January 1st 2023.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.