The BetMGM Pittsburgh Pirates promos are no longer confined to the Pennsylvania sportsbook’s mobile app and website. Pittsburgh Pirates fans visiting PNC Park and perusing the team’s digital properties will soon start seeing branding for one of the state’s online-only sports betting operators.
With this move, BetMGM Sportsbook aims to be the first option for Pittsburgh sports fans when they think of sports betting. The new activations might give fans a reason to attend games in what’s otherwise been a dismal season.
Details of the new BetMGM Pirates promos
In essence, BetMGM is now a sponsor of the Pirates. The value for BetMGM is in exposure to Pirates fans. That will occur at PNC Park with signage behind home plate and along the left-field wall. In addition, a press release mentions “fan-focused promotions.” Some of those could involve physical elements at the park.
To some extent, though, the promotions could be more focused on the Pirates’ digital properties like social media accounts and the MLB team’s website. At the very least, visitors to those online spaces should expect to see ads for BetMGM.
David Burke, Pirates executive vice president of Sales and Business Development commented:
“Our partnership with BetMGM is one that we are extremely proud to announce. We are incredibly excited to partner with such a respected and innovative brand. It allows us the opportunity to provide a unique platform for our fans to engage with Pirates baseball like never before.”
BetMGM’s Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost added:
“BetMGM has seen tremendous success in Pennsylvania since launching in December 2020. 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.”
No retail wagering at the stadium
Bettors should note that this deal doesn’t involve any kind of retail wagering at PNC Park. Bettors won’t find any BetMGM betting kiosks or windows anywhere in the stadium. In addition, there are no plans for a branded “betting lounge” either. Of course, eligible bettors are welcome to place wagers on their phones while at the venue.
This deal gives BetMGM premium placement for two of Pittsburgh’s most coveted sports venues. For that reason, the brand should be visible to Pittsburgh residents nearly every day of the year. This is crucial for a sportsbook with no retail presence in the state.
Partnerships with sports teams vital for BetMGM in PA
If you’ve been to a Pittsburgh Steelers game or have visited that team’s socials in the past few months, you’ve probably seen BetMGM ads there. BetMGM and the Steelers made a similar deal last November, giving the sportsbook signage at Heinz Field.
BetMGM doesn’t have the market cornered in Pittsburgh, though. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ lone sports betting partner is BetRivers Sportsbook. That deal does give Rivers Casino Pittsburgh‘s sports betting brand a lounge at PPG Paints Arena adorned with its logo and name.
Given the presence of the retail book and the betting lounge in the Penguins’ digs, it became important for competitors to snag any remaining available real estate. BetMGM has now done that to a great extent with its deals with the Pirates and Steelers.
That should help BetMGM continue to battle BetRivers for market share in terms of sports betting revenue. For example, the two brands ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in terms of handle in May of this year. BetMGM topped BetRivers by nearly $8 million that month.
Although the Pirates are in last place in their division and have only raised the Jolly Roger in 34 of their first 90 games this season, Pittsburgh fans have a love for sports. BetMGM is in an even better position to capitalize on that due to its new deal with the team.
Lead photo c/o BetMGM.
