BetMGM Monday announced it has reached an agreement to become the exclusive sports betting partner of MLB’s Houston Astros. It’s the sports betting operator’s first partnership in Texas.
“The Houston Astros are a monumental addition to our portfolio of strategic partnerships with professional sports teams across the U.S.,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt in a statement. “The organization’s passionate fan base will be key to the growth of BetMGM throughout the South as we look for new ways to engage fans with unique experiences that go beyond the game.”
The agreement was struck despite sports betting not being legal in Texas. According to Legal Sports Report, the state’s most recent attempt at legalizing sports betting failed in 2021. The earliest sports betting can be approved in the Lone Star state is 2023, when the next Texas legislative session is scheduled.
BetMGM’s agreement with Astros will include prominently featured signage throughout the team’s home stadium, Minute Maid Park, including a permanent sign on the outfield wall and rotational messaging behind home plate. Astros fans will be able to participate in a variety of VIP experiences exclusive to BetMGM customers, including throwing out the first pitch at games, on-field access to batting practice, and VIP getaways for away games.
BetMGM and the Astros also will team up to offer special betting promotions for the sports betting operator’s customers in Louisiana, where sports betting is legal.
“We are looking forward to our partnership with BetMGM,” said Houston Astros Senior Vice President, General Counsel Giles Kibbe in a statement. “As we continue to strive for new ways to add to the fan experience, this partnership will provide another way for the Astros to engage with our fans.”
