USA.- July 3th 2023 www.zonadeazar.com [1] Interesting news on the Canadian igaming sports sponsorship front on Friday: FanDuel has been announced as the first “authorized” gaming operator and an official sportsbook partner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
BetRegal did a similar deal with the CFL in 2021 – with a news release back then saying the sportsbook was “the Official Sport Gaming Partner of the CFL”. It was a multi-year deal, and Hall of Fame quarterbacks Damon Allen and Matt Dunigan were made ambassadors, since taking part in a variety of in-game events with fans.
BetRegal though has yet to secure its operating license in Ontario, and its deal with the CFL ended last year.
With Friday’s FanDuel announcement, anyone in Ontario who is at least 19 years of age will be able to place wagers on the league.
For example, on Friday FanDuel posted live Moneyline bets for that night’s games – Edmonton Elks +120 versus Ottawa REDBLACKS -140; Winnipeg Blue Bombers -210 versus the Montreal Alouettes +175; and the B.C. Lions -170 versus the Toronto Argonauts +145.
Over the past two Grey Cup CFL championship games, BetRegal was able to exclusively build market activations during Grey Cup Week. It’s unknown how that will all play out going forward with the FanDuel deal.
However a source said the general perception out there is, because of the CFL’s relationship with Canadian sports-TV powerhouse TSN, the larger sportsbook brands are staying away from the CFL because FanDuel “will drown everyone else out.”
In a statement on the CFL.ca website, Tyler Mazereeuw, chief commercial officer of the CFL, said: “Responsible sports wagering is another way for our league to further its connection with our fans. In addition to taking in our fun, fast, and entertaining brand of football, some fans may wish to engage with the game on a more personal level.
“We’re excited to work with FanDuel to deliver an exciting and innovative betting experience. While opening this new avenue of fandom is important to our league, wagering should only be done responsibly by adult fans who are 19 years of age and over with the means to do so.”
FanDuel is also offering in-game player props such as anytime touchdown scorer, passing, rushing and receiving yards, as well as futures bets, like Grey Cup winner.
BetRegal, which is licensed and operating in Mexico and Europe, currently has sports betting sponsorship deals with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger Cats.
FanDuel also has sponsorship deals with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (which owns the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors, and MLS’s Toronto FC) and the NHL.
CDC Gaming Reports reached out to BetRegal for comment but has yet to hear back.
Edited by: @MaiaDigital [2] www.zonadeazar.com [1]