The US gambling industry is currently undergoing a metamorphosis the likes of which its never seen before. Since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PAPSA), opening the door to regulated sports betting, the entire gambling world has been in transition.
Nowhere has this change been more visible than in the relationship between professional sports organizations and gambling operators. Across the country, pro sports teams and gambling operators are joining forces in ways that would have once been unimaginable.
The latest example of this dynamic is an announcement from BetMGM that it’s launching Philadelphia 76ers-branded roulette wheels and blackjack tables at BetMGM Casino, Borgata Casino, and Party Casino live casinos. 76ers roulette and blackjack will be available to online players in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. BetMGM’s new 76ers live casino games offer an “immersive experience” by virtually recreating an arena suite. BetMGM is also offering a “live” feature that lets players step out of their virtual suites and on to virtual courtside seats for a 76ers game.
Owen Morin, senior vice president, corporate partnership, Philadelphia 76ers, commented on the new games in a statement reported on by Darik News in New Jersey saying, “BetMGM has been an incredible partner over the last two seasons, and we’re excited to showcase our growing collaborations with the introduction of 76ers Roulette and Blackjack. We know that these new, innovative offerings will be a big hit with 76ers fans throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
With the US sports betting business growing exponentially, industry watchers can certainly expect to see even more of those once-taboo relationships between professional sports organizations and gambling operators.