Sports betting and iGaming operator BetMGM announced Tuesday it is now an Official Sports Betting Partner of the MLB’s Cincinnati Reds. The new relationship is set to strengthen the platform’s presence in Ohio ahead of the state’s scheduled launch of legalized sports betting on January 1, and calls for the opening of a retail BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt explained that this announcement marks the beginning of the company’s plans to create “the most entertaining and dynamic” sports betting experiences in Ohio. “Through our relationships with the Reds and MGM Northfield Park, we look forward to bringing unique BetMGM content to Ohio’s passionate sports fans,” he stated.
The multi-year agreement includes plans to open a physical BetMGM Sportsbook at Cincinnati Reds’ home stadium, the Great American Ball Park. The sportsbook will be in the space currently serving as the Machine Room restaurant on the northeast side of the sports venue.
The upcoming amenity will only be accessible from outside the ticketed areas of the ballpark via the arena plaza-level entrance. The new venue will allow fans to watch and wager on games all year long, a press release notes. This marks BetMGM’s second sportsbook at a Major League Baseball stadium, joining the Sportsbook at Nationals Park in Washington D.C., which opened in January 2022.
Additionally, under this new deal, BetMGM signage will be prominently featured at Great American Ball Park, including a permanent outfield wall sign, messaging behind home plate, and a branded foul line during select times. The brand will have its own suite and club seats at the stadium, and also plans to curate VIP experiences for its fans including on-field access during batting practice.
Doug Healy, Cincinnati Reds Chief Financial Officer, stated: “With sports gaming coming to Ohio, the Reds sought to bring the highest quality operator to our ballpark for those fans who choose to participate in sports gaming. BetMGM is renowned for their expertise in entertainment and sports gaming, and we believe their brand best fits our high customer standard and will also help draw visitors to our city.”
The team’s fans will have access to the BetMGM Sportsbook app upon expected launch next year, offering “a user-friendly mobile gaming experience,” providing the opportunity to customize pre-game, live in-play, futures and parlay wagers.
The news comes on the heels of BetMGM extending its relationships with Major League Baseball as an Official Sports Betting partner. Since becoming MLB’s first-ever Official Gaming Partner and Entertainment Partner in 2018, MGM Resorts and BetMGM have continued to grow in the baseball world.
