Caesars Sportsbook is signing on as the official sports betting and igaming partner of Michigan State University (MSU) Athletics. It’s a multi-year deal that covers a lot of ground, including a feature that’s becoming common in sportsbook/university sponsorship deals, contributions to a scholarship fund.
Under the terms of the deal, Caesars Sportsbook will have TV-visible signage across MSU basketball, football and hockey games. Caesars will also have naming rights for a new premium section in the school’s football stadium.
MSU Spartan fans will also have an opportunity to tailgate at a Caesars-themed lounge or tent at MSU’s football stadium and basketball arenas. Fan lounges and party areas are another mainstay of this kind of sponsorship deal and are a mainstay at almost every professional sporting event in the United States.
Another mainstay of university/sportsbook deals is a contribution to the school’s scholarship fund. “Caesars Sportsbook will provide annual funds to support student-athlete responsible gaming education, student scholarships, as well as internship and professional development opportunities for MSU students pursuing a career in the sports industry,” the company said in a recent press release. Though the amount of money Caesars will be spending scholarships was not disclosed.
Eric Hession, Co-President of Caesars Digital commented on the special appeal of MSU athletics saying, “The Spartan fan base and alumni network is passionate and well-established across the country. We look forward to building upon our connection with them while strengthening the legacy we hold in the state of Michigan and advancing scholarship opportunities through this partnership.”
Sportsbooks pairing up with big-time universities is such a common place event today, it’s easy to forget that the NCAA and other college sports bodies lobbied strongly against regulated sports betting for most of their histories.