BetRivers strengthens Louisiana presence with Pelicans partnership
Online operator becomes official partner of NBA team, adds pair of brand ambassadors to roster
BetRivers, a subsidiary of Rush Street Interactive (RSI), has linked up with the New Orleans Pelicans in a branding deal that makes the sportsbook an official partner of the NBA franchise.
The online operator has also added former NFL star Brandon Stokley and local media personality Jimmy Ott as brand ambassadors as it looks to strengthen its presence in Louisiana, its newest state of operation.
As part of the Pelicans deal, BetRivers signage will be displayed prominently throughout the team’s home arena, the Smoothie King Center, including across the front row of courtside seats. The team’s corresponding Chairman’s Club – reserved for courtside ticket holders – is also being rebranded as the BetRivers Chairman Lounge. The updated lounge will feature a live odds board.
“The Pelicans partnership and BetRivers Chairman Lounge is an RSI investment to enhance fans’ watching and wagering experiences inside the Smoothie King Center, as well as emphasize our commitment to Louisiana sports throughout the state,” said RSI CEO Richard Schwartz.
“New Orleans and Louisiana are home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, and it was important for us to partner with an online sportsbook such as BetRivers that delivers the high-quality experience that these fans expect and deserve,” added Pelicans president Dennis Lauscha.
BetRivers, which launched online operations in Louisiana on January 28, will leverage its newest brand ambassadors in an effort to fortify its presence in the Pelican State.
Stokley, a Louisiana native and University of Louisiana at Lafayette alum, played 15 seasons in the NFL for five franchises. The former Super Bowl champion contributes football analysis and betting content across BetRivers’ social channels in addition to hosting a daily three-hour sports radio show in Denver.
Ott, an LSU alumnus, has been a staple of sports radio and television in Tiger Country since 1990. The host of ‘Jimmy Ott’s Gametime’ presented by BetRivers on ESPN Radio Baton Rouge, Ott provides handicapping content to football fans.
“We are excited to establish such strong local partnerships in Louisiana,” said Schwartz. “We have a commitment to our sports betting enthusiasts to provide hometown sportsbooks with valuable and entertaining analysis from talent known locally, and we will continue to do that by building partnerships within each market where we have online sportsbooks.”