PointsBet is making US sports betting history as the first gambling operator to score a sports betting partnership with a Big 10 school. The move comes as the company inked a deal with Maryland Sports Properties, a Playfly Sports property, and the University of Maryland.
Under the terms of the deal, PointsBet will be promoting its brand at Maryland’s XFINITY Center and Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium with logo placements and other activities. The company with also be participating with the University of Maryland in educating students on the potential hazards of sports betting and the signs of problem gambling.
PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken spoke of the responsibilities that come along with a university partnership in a press release saying, “Investing in the University of Maryland athletics program expands our ability to impact local communities and the greater DMV region while also connecting PointsBet with alumni that remain actively involved in reverence to their alma mater. Sports betting education and safe gambling is key to our long-term strategy, as is making a tangible impact on the communities we invest in. We are proud to work with such a high-profile, storied university to further these objectives.”
Maryland Executive Associate Athletic Director and Chief Strategy Officer Brian Ullmann echoed that sentiment saying, “With the announcement of our partnership with PointsBet through Maryland Sports Properties and Playfly Sports, we are looking forward to raising awareness and educating our student-athlete and University community about responsible gambling. Maryland Athletics continues to lead boldly with the first deal of its kind in the Big Ten Conference and in the region.”
Earlier this year, PointsBet made US sports betting history when it signed the first-ever sports betting partnership with an American college when it partnered with the University of Colorado. Since then, partnerships between sports betting operators and universities have become commonplace.