Which Casinos Could Partner With Golf’s Major Tournaments?
In 2019, the PGA Tour announced that it would be expanding its sponsorship program and welcoming gambling companies as official marketing partners for the first time in its history. Gambling casinos are now eligible to be considered Official Marketing Partners for all six tours governed by the PGA Tour and for events on those tours.
In an interview with the PGA Tour, David Miller, vice-president, and associate general counsel, stated that the updated regulations would help enhance engagement with fans worldwide while increasing interest in the sport, which will hopefully have crossover ramifications with fans using these partnered brands to back their favorite players with the likes of online sports betting at Casumo.
Regarding the regulation change, the PGA Tour has stated that it would remain committed to its ongoing Integrity Program, established in January 2018 to protect the events from outside influences related to gambling. The program applies to all players and support personnel, tournament staffers and volunteers, PGA Tour staff, and the PGA Tour Policy Board, among other groups and individuals.
Graeme McDowell, a former U.S. Open champion, said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan highlighted to players the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game.
“I believe the PGA Tour has taken the initiative in this regard, with the integrity courses we completed online and with assisting us in understanding what is acceptable and what is not,” McDowell said.
“The integrity of our sport is of the utmost importance.”
The new regulation enables players to “have sponsorship by casinos and other legal gambling organisations.” Still, it prohibits them from entering into an endorsement agreement with a company “whose principal aim is sports betting” in the United States. Other countries have different policies.
The PGA Tour used mainstream fantasy sports companies like DraftKings and FanDuel as examples. However, neither company’s primary aim is sports betting; therefore, endorsement partnerships with these companies are legal.
Top 3 Casinos Partnering With PGA in 2021:
- DraftKings
Drawing on its extensive experience in sports betting, Draftkings has established an exclusive partnership with the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational and Northern Trust PGA Tour golf tournaments.
The PGA Tour has a long-standing relationship with DraftKings, according to CEO Ezra Kucharz. “DraftKings is excited about growing our presence in the golf business by partnering with the PGA Tour,” he continued. We are excited about giving fans an unforgettable experience at Liberty National and TPC Southwind. “
The online bookmaker has been working with the PGA Tour since July 2019.
Our announcement with DraftKings is significant, “said PGA Tour Senior Vice President of Media and Gaming Norb Gambuzza. The PGA Tour is embracing sports betting.
- FanDuel
FanDuel will offer pre-game and post-game betting programs and distribute highlights to users who have placed bets by becoming a PGA Tour Official Betting Operator. To distribute odds-based content to fans, the PGA Tour and FanDuel will work together on digital platforms like PGATOUR.COM and the PGA Tour app.
Since 2018, the PGA Tour has respected FanDuel’s brand, product, and marketing efforts, said Norb Gambuzza, SVP, Media and Gaming. “We are pleased to welcome FanDuel to the PGA Tour’s Official Betting Operator program as we continue to broaden our fan base.”
Even without [13] weeks of PGA Tour tournaments during the shutdown, FanDuel Sportsbook’s total golf handle in New Jersey in 2020 has already eclipsed that in 2019.
- Pointsbet
With best-in-class proprietary technology, a modernised and premium brand concept, experienced trading methods, and proven growth marketing strategies, PointsBet is quickly increasing its U.S. footprint. With the fastest and most user-friendly app (iOS and Android), PointsBet is a leading sportsbook that provides the most effective content and experience for sports bettors. Aside from offering PointsBetting — a unique and original way to wager – the company has launched several other well-received bettor-first initiatives. PointsBet has the most markets on all four major American sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL).
PointsBet receives sponsorship exclusivity throughout the multi-year partnership in sports betting, daily fantasy, and online casino games. PointsBet gains content and video rights to create pre-game and post-game betting programs across Tour media and partner channels.
