MGM isn’t the only company racking up sports league deals. Two can play at that game.
This time it is a league, not a casino, getting another partner. The NBA inked a multiyear deal with the Stars Group today. Similar to the MGM deal, the Stars Group can use league logos and images as well as official league data for their online sports betting products.
“We are excited to partner with the NBA as we continue to execute on our US strategy,” said SVP Strategy & Operations USA at the Stars Group Matt Primeaux. “This agreement enables us to use official NBA data and league marks, providing a better experience to our customers, while working with the NBA to protect the integrity of games.”
You might know the Stars Group as PokerStars, but the online poker site is just one of the company’s offerings. The company also has CasinoStars and its online sports betting product, BetStars.
BetStars already in NJ, heading to PA eventually
BetStars is already up and running in New Jersey. Pennsylvania still seems to be a little ways off for the company though. Mount Airy partnered with BetStars earlier this year. However, so far Mount Airy has not submitted an application for a $10 million PA sports betting license. For BetStars to get going in the Keystone State, Mount Airy will need to file an application, get Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) approval, and complete the necessary applications and testing.
One thing BetStars does have is interactive gaming operator approval. The company applied for the appropriate licenses to offer online gambling. The PGCB reviewed that application in November, giving it conditional approval. That same day, the company also received sports betting operator approval, which is another key license necessary to launch.
The 76ers already partnered up with Caesars
In October, the Philadelphia 76ers inked a deal with Harrah’s Philadelphia. As we’ve seen in New Jersey with the Flyers, that does not mean they can’t ink a few more. Granted, Mount Airy does not have geographic proximity on its side for either Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.
However, once Mount Airy Pittsburgh mini-casino opens, it will offer a sportsbook, so perhaps focusing on Pittsburgh athletic teams are in the cards.
With Philadelphia, not only will BetStars be contending with the city’s casinos. It will also have to deal with the number of New Jersey sportsbooks teaming up with Philadelphia sports teams. Of course, with BetStars also being in New Jersey, those Philadelphia teams could serve as two for one.
No matter what, BetStars will take advantage of this league partnership. It’s just up in the air whether or not Pennsylvanians will see the results before the post-season.
