The Columbus Crew has entered into a long-term partnership agreement with global sportsbook operator Tipico.
Tipico will now be the official and exclusive sports betting partner of the Columbus Crew, per the terms of the deal. It plans to launch its mobile sports betting app when legalized sports betting goes live in Ohio, pending licensing and regulatory approvals.
The Columbus Crew is set to open the Lower.com Field doors for its first full season when the Black & Gold begin its 27th Major League Soccer campaign on February 26.
Tipico and the Columbus Crew will also develop a wide variety of digital content and engagements, along with joint community programming as part of the partnership.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with a highly respected global brand and passionate soccer enthusiast in Tipico,” said Haslam Sports Group Chief Operating Officer David Jenkins. “As they make their foray into Ohio, our long-term agreement with Tipico represents an exciting development for Crew supporters and sports fans in Central Ohio and throughout the state. Providing a world-class experience for supporters is at the core of what we do and so we look forward to increasing fan engagement opportunities in Columbus and throughout Ohio through this partnership.”
As a founding level partner, Tipico will receive entitlement rights to marquee Crew assets, which include Tipico Beer Garden and Tipico Club. It will also have access to prominent brand integration throughout Lower.com Field.
“We are incredibly excited to team up with The Columbus Crew, a premium brand with championship DNA, to introduce our Tipico sports betting experience to players in the Buckeye state,” said Adrian Vella, CEO of Tipico US. “The Midwest will play an important role as we continue our multi-state expansion in 2022, and we could not have asked for a better partner to help us introduce the Tipico brand and our proprietary technology to sports bettors in Ohio and beyond.”
