Sports gaming and online casino brand MaximBet has teamed up with MLB’s Charlie Blackmon for what the company describes as the first-ever partnership between an active baseball player and a sports betting brand.
The deal, unveiled on Wednesday, includes personal appearances from the Colorado Rockies outfielder, special promotions, responsible gaming initiatives, “money-can’t-buy” experiences and access to custom gear from custom apparel artist SolesbySir, according to a press release.
Resulting from the deal, Blackmon, a four-time MLB All-Star and the second longest-tenured player in Rockies history, becomes MaximBet’s first active professional athlete ambassador from the four major US sports. The baseball player will be featured by the sports betting brand in upcoming marketing campaigns, fan events, promotions, and social media content.
“As I learned more about MaximBet, I knew this absolutely was the right brand for me,” said Blackmon. “MaximBet has really attached itself to the local Colorado community, and I cannot wait to have some fun with MaximBet and surprising fans with incredible ‘money can’t buy’ experiences all season.”
— MaximBet (@MaximBetUSA) April 20, 2022
Blackmon, known as “Chuck Nazty,” ranks second all-time in hits, games played and at-bats for the Rockies and is third in runs scored and total bases in team history. The 2017 NL Batting Champion was selected in the second round of the 2008 draft by the Colorado franchise and has played his entire career in the state.
“Charlie is one of the most revered Rockies players of all time, and his style and career success make him a perfect fit for MaximBet,” said Daniel Graetzer, CEO, MaximBet. “We are thrilled to welcome Charlie to the MaximBet family. We look forward to him hitting it out of the ballpark for us as we continue to grow in Colorado and across the country.”
As part of the partnership, MaximBet is also collaborating with custom artist SolesbySir, whose real name is Marcus Rivero, to design one-of-a-kind baseball and personal interest items for Blackmon.
The artist crafted a custom co-branded Rawlings glove, Nike cleats and New Era Rockies hat and, given Blackmon’s love of fishing, he minted a personalized tackle bag, fisherman’s scissors and cooler for the new MaximBet ambassador.
I am very excited to announce my partnership with @MaximBetUSA. More news coming soon! pic.twitter.com/ht2irkgbvd
— Charlie Blackmon (@Chuck_Nazty) April 20, 2022
Additionally, MaximBet and Rivero will be gifting select new account holders their own custom items from the SolesbySir Collection. Customers who sign up by April 30 are eligible, and winners will receive their custom gear within 2-4 weeks. Lastly, the sports betting brand will also be offering new customers a $500 risk-free bet on any game.
Currently live in Colorado, MaximBet is owned and operated by gaming company Carousel Group, part of China-based ZK International Group Co.’s portfolio, in partnership with lifestyle brand Maxim. The brand has plans to debut in Indiana and Iowa next and has additional market access in New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania, along with jurisdictions including Ontario in Canada. Details for those markets will be announced “soon.”
Last year, MaximBet became the first sports betting company to enter a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with college athletes through a deal that offered all 21+ female student-athletes in Colorado, at Division I, II or III colleges, endorsement opportunities that include social media content, event appearances and free merchandise.
