PointsBet on Wednesday announced a multi-year marketing agreement with the University of Maryland.
It’s the second for PointsBet. The online sportsbook was the pioneer in this new realm by g a similar deal with the University of Colorado in 2020.
Since, LSU has signed a deal with Caesars and the University of Denver did the same with SuperBook. DraftKings sponsors the UNLV Gaming Innovation Studio in a deal not tied to athletics.
“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,” said PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken. “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.”
PointsBet finds high-profile partner as retail sports betting prepares to commence
Sports betting in Maryland is slated to begin in some retail outlets on Dec. 9. Online and mobile sports betting may not debut until 2022. PointsBet gained Maryland market access through Riverboat on the Potomac, a licensed satellite simulcast facility for horseracing.
As part of the Maryland deal, according to a release, PointsBet logos will appear at the Terrapins‘ football and basketball facilities. They figure to blend in well. PointsBet’s colors are red and black, which along with black and gold adorns Maryland’s uniforms.
Financial were not disclosed, but ESPN reported it as a “seven-figure deal.” PointsBet will launch a responsible gambling program at the university and an eventual philanthropic campaign.
“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,” said Maryland Executive Associate Athletic Director and Chief Strategy Officer Brian Ullmann. “Maryland Athletics continues to lead boldly with the first deal of its kind in the Big Ten Conference and in the region.”