Landmark deal

Caesars Entertainment is set to become the first casino company to have its logo featured on the jersey of a Major League Soccer (MLS) team after announcing a sponsorship deal with D.C. United.

In addition to the casino company’s logo being added to the team’s jersey, special promotions will place on matchdays. The deal also states that there will be regular giveaways, and special match events, as well as advertising at the Audi Field and across various digital channels.

first casino company to have its logo featured on the jersey of a Major League Soccer (MLS) team

With the D.C. Lottery planning to launch a sports betting app this March, Caesars will also be looking into sports betting opportunities. This could result in a sportsbook being launched at Audi Field.

Caesars has also made inquiries about opening entertainment facilities or bars in the neighborhood around the stadium.

Caesars embracing sports betting

This isn’t the only deal Caesars has been involved in recently when it comes to sports betting. It recently became an official partner of ESPN and the National Football League (NFL).

Speaking about this sponsorship deal with D.C. United was Chris Holdren, chief marketing officer for Caesars Entertainment. He said: “Caesars Entertainment has been a worldwide leader in entertainment for many years, but now, including this new landmark partnership with D.C. United, we have quickly become a leader in the world of sports.”

Caesars has been negotiating this deal with D.C. United since November. A sportsbook could open at the arena during the spring. This would be just in time for the busiest period of the upcoming MLS season.

However, the team would have to acquire a license from the state in order to open a sportsbook. D.C. United kick off the new season on February 29 when they play against the Colorado Rapids at Audi Field. 

Sports betting in Washington

Interestingly, sports betting was not mentioned in the press release for this new partnership. However, according to The Washington Post, D.C. United is looking to embrace the sports betting space.

Sports betting has been legal in Washington, D.C. since January 2019, but the rollout of live sportsbooks has been delayed several times.

The D.C. Lottery app is finally set to go live in March. 

Other arenas in the state

Other sporting arenas in the state are making similar moves.

William Hill US has signed a deal with Monumental Sports and Entertainment in order to open a sportsbook at the Capital One Arena. This is where the NBA’s Washington Wizard and the NHL’s Washington Capitals team play their home games.

Dan Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins, is also calling for the team’s new stadium to receive a sports betting license either in Virginia or Maryland.