BetMGM strikes sports betting partnership with Pittsburgh Pirates

BetMGM has agreed to a wide-ranging marketing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The deal will see the sports betting operator gain a branding presence throughout PNC Park, in addition to visibility on the MLB team’s social and digital assets.

As part of the partnership, BetMGM signage will be displayed prominently throughout PNC Park, including on the left-field wall and behind home plate.

The Pirates’ array of digital and social media platforms will also feature BetMGM content. The operator will have the opportunity to contribute to fan-focused promotions as well.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with such a respected and innovative brand,” said Pirates EVP of sales David Burke. “It allows us the opportunity to provide a unique platform for our fans to engage with Pirates baseball like never before.”

BetMGM, which is currently live in 10 states and the District of Columbia, has been as aggressive as any operator in forging partnerships with professional sports teams and leagues.

It already has similar deals with the Philadelphia 76ers and Pittsburgh Steelers in Pennsylvania, and looks to be placing an increased emphasis on gaining a better foothold in Western Pennsylvania.

“BetMGM has seen tremendous success in Pennsylvania since launching in December 2020,” said BetMGM chief revenue officer Matt Prevost.

“Growing our presence across the state, in partnership with the Pirates, is a top priority and we look forward to providing Pittsburgh’s passionate sports fans unique promotions and benefits only available on BetMGM.”

Pennsylvania trails only New Jersey and Nevada in total handle since sports betting became legal in 2018, but the market is largely dominated by FanDuel and DraftKings, with Barstool Sportsbook and BetMGM consistently a distant third and fourth.

In May, the state took just over $447m in bets, with BetMGM accounting for $32.5m of that total.