PointsBet has announced the signing of a multi-year sports betting agreement with the University of Maryland, marking the first deal of its kind with a Big Ten school.
Per the terms of the agreement, the Australian supplier of sports data will receive advertising opportunities across the school's football and basketball stadiums as well as a significant digital presence across the University’s social media.
Moreover, PointsBet is expected to take on a number of educational and charitable commitments as part of the partnership.
This latest agreement was negotiated through the University’s commercial rights partner, PlayFly Sports, and marks a move towards the acceptance of sports betting by college sports associations.
Johnny Aitken, CEO of PoinstBet’s US business struck a decidedly positive tone.
“Investing in the University of Maryland athletics program expands our ability to impact local communities and the greater DMV region while also connecting PointsBet with alumni that remain actively involved in reverence to their alma mater.”
This news comes after PointsBet secured market access to the Free State in June, via the means of a supplier license, and marks the second such deal the provider has made in recent years.
Indeed, 2020 saw PointsBet agree to a similar deal with the University of Colorado which saw the University raise approximately $1.63m in sponsorship funds.
College sports have long been resistant to the rise of sports betting in the US, this partnership reflects a change in approach.
Today, PointsBet announced the appointment of Liam Roecklein as Senior Vice President of Content.
“The industry is just starting to embrace the assets available to create extraordinary content for use in traditional, online and social media. We are at the precipice of what’s to come. True to form for the brand, PointsBet will be at the forefront of attracting users and engaging them where they are,” the new SVP said.
