Plenty of famous faces

Legal sports betting and iGaming continue to spread across North America at a rapid rate, with Kansas the latest to join the burgeoning market last month. As the region’s gambling options grow, so does the marketing spend of its largest competitors as they compete for control of each state.

actors, musicians, and everything in between

Ultimately, this has led to an all-out marketing war, and one of the most sought-after weapons in the conflict is a recognizable face to sell the brand. A flurry of celebrity ambassador partnerships have hit the headlines over the past few years as a result, from the world of professional sports to actors, musicians, and everything in between.

News broke this week that ‘Dodgeball’ star Vince Vaughn has just joined that long list by teaming up with Caesars Sportsbook and Casino. The operator took to Twitter to spread the news:

With the Vaughn tie up just one of many agreements signed with celebs, VegasSlotsOnline News has taken a dive into the gambling ambassador list to find the other most notable names to date.

The Manning Family – Caesars Sportsbook

When considering North American sports, it’s difficult to think of a more naturally talented family than the Mannings. As such, Caesars Sportsbook snapped up the American Football family as quick as it could, employing the entire Manning clan to appear in promotions and ads for its betting offering in November last year.

Former NFL quarterback and double Super Bowl winner Eli Manning broke the news via the Caesars Sportsbook Twitter account:

As a result of the partnership, the Manning family have taken part in various Caesars Rewards member experiences. Caesars Digital co-president Chris Holdren labeled the team-up a “natural fit,” particularly since Archie Manning’s New Orleans sports bar already had a partnership with Caesars prior.

Nicki Minaj – Maximbet

Now for a famous face that you might not associate with the world of sports or gambling. Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has made her millions playing music to arenas around the world, but she recently signed up as brand ambassador of Maximbet, becoming special advisor to the sportsbook.

The star took to Twitter shortly after the announcement to declare herself the “Queen of lifestyle sports betting:”

Maximbet CEO Daniel Graetzer said the rapper’s “savvy and creativity” will be a valuable addition to the sportsbook’s strategy moving forward. “There is no one better suited to take this form of entertainment mainstream,” concluded the chief executive.

also became creative director of Maxim magazine

The Maximbet sportsbook is part of the New-Jersey based Carousel Group. As part of the deal, Minaj also became creative director of Maxim magazine.

Jamie Foxx – BetMGM

Actor Jamie Foxx was one of the first celebrities to jump on the sports betting bandwagon. He teamed up with BetMGM for its ‘King of Sportsbooks’ campaign just over two years ago, including a series of TV ads and social media posts.

In one such post, BetMGM announced news of the Foxx link up on Twitter:

In making the announcement, BetMGM chief marketing officer Matt Prevost praised Foxx’s “uniquely entertaining and creative storytelling ability.” It would certainly be difficult to disagree with the chief executive given the US actor’s highly-praised performances in films such as ‘Django Unchained,’ ‘Ray,’ and ‘Any Given Sunday.’ The star has also won multiple Grammys.

he walks across water at the Bellagio fountain

In his work for BetMGM, Foxx has completed multiple TV ads. In one such commercial, he walks across water at the Bellagio fountain while telling viewers they’re “one tap away” from betting success.

Vanessa Hudgens – BetMGM

She might be better known for singing while gazing into the eyes of Zac Efron, but High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens recently stepped into the sports betting world. She joined Jamie Foxx by signing a deal with BetMGM late last month and is expected to use her high-profile social media presence to promote the betting giant.

BetMGM Casino shared news of the link up via Twitter:

Commenting on the deal, BetMGM CMO Matt Prevost highlighted Hudgens’ mass-media appeal, claiming that the actress will be “instrumental in BetMGM’s ongoing evolution as an entertainment company.” The 33-year-old is set to feature in upcoming advertising campaigns and marketing promotions for the betting firm.

Ronaldo – Betfair International

Back in the world of sports, soccer legend Ronaldo made the list of gambling ambassadors by signing a deal with Betfair International in June 2022. He took to twitter to announce the deal in his native Portuguese:

The Brazilian star, full name Ronaldo Nazario, will work with Betfair on a series of premium content and activations. Like FanDuel, Paddy Power, and Sky Betting and Gaming, Betfair is owned by Flutter Entertainment.

two FIFA World Cups and three FIFA World Player of the Year awards

Ronaldo, who won two FIFA World Cups and three FIFA World Player of the Year awards in his time in the game, isn’t the only Brazilian legend to sign with Betfair. His teammate in the 2002 World Cup win, Rivaldo, is also an ambassador. The pair intend to link up on content for the international gambling company.

Betfair International managing director Kimberely Daly believes the Ronaldo partnership will go down well with citizens of the legend’s home nation, allowing the firm to get “closer to Brazilian sports fans and bettors.”