We’ve eagerly anticipated the unveiling of the BetMGM Sportsbook partnership with Barry Sanders, curious about the shape it would assume.
As the Detroit Lions’ season kickoff approaches, we are witnessing the brand’s strategy for incorporating the iconic figure of their former team member into their marketing efforts. This includes the revival of his formidable video game persona, 8-Bit Barry.
As part of BetMGM’s NFL opening week launch in Michigan, they are going all out to attract new sports betting customers. Their strong connections to the Lions team set them apart from the competition.
Sanders, who attended the opening of FanDuel Sportsbook at MotorCity Casino before joining BetMGM, is one of the most prominent figures in this state. This further emphasizes the significance of Michigan in the national sports betting industry.
BetMGM’s free-to-play ‘8-Bit Barry’ Sanders game gives weekly prizes
While not reaching the same level of iconic status as Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl, many Michigan sports bettors who belong to a specific age group probably remember relying on Sanders as a reliable player in the Nintendo classic (and also the early Madden football video games).
In an attempt to capture the essence of Sanders nostalgia, BetMGM introduces “8-Bit Barry,” a free-to-play contest reminiscent of Tecmo Bowl, available on a weekly basis.
At that place, gamers have the opportunity every week to predict whether video game Sanders should employ a spin move, a juke, or a stiff arm to outmaneuver his defender and score. If their guess is accurate, gamers will be rewarded with complimentary bets, bonuses, or other exciting prizes (details to be disclosed at a later date).
The game had not yet gone live as of Wednesday morning.
The promotional campaign bears resemblance to one that Sanders rejected last year, when Eastern Market Brewing incorporated an unauthorized digitized image of Sanders on their Same Old Lager cans.
‘King of the Weekend’ also among strong BetMGM Week 1 promotions
Detroit Lions all-time great running back Barry Sanders features in multiple BetMGM Sportsbook promotions this NFL season. (Screengrab from BetMGM Sportsbook website)
Barry Sanders’ real-life representation is also featured in the BetMGM Promotions section, alongside another exciting competition called King of the Weekend. In this contest, players have the chance to vie for a grand prize of $50,000.
In order to emerge victorious, you need to correctly predict the order of the top six scoring NFL teams over the weekend. Even if no one manages to guess all six teams correctly, the customer with the most accurate predictions will be rewarded with $1,000 each week.
This week also offers a range of other promotions from BetMGM.
BetMGM is generously offering $20 worth of free wagers for Week 1. Each account has been credited with $10 for Thursday’s games, and an additional $10 will be given for any Sunday game.
Major operators offer a popular promotion called the One-Game Parlay Bet & Get, allowing you to combine various aspects of a single game, which was previously not possible. During NFL Weeks 1-3, by placing a $25 one-game parlay bet, you can earn a $10 live bet for college football.
Introducing the BetMGM REDZONE Challenge, where capturing loyal customers is the name of the game. BetMGM presents exciting weekly missions for players to conquer in order to advance through the REDZONE. Engaging tasks such as creating a one-game parlay or achieving a specific prop are just a taste of the thrilling challenges awaiting players.
BetMGM partnership with Lions also taking shape
In addition to WynnBET Sportsbook, BetMGM is the second sports betting operator in Michigan to announce its partnership with the Lions.
BetMGM takes the spotlight at Ford Field with this deal, as fans make their way back for the season opener against San Francisco on Sunday. Moreover, local radio broadcast promotions will prominently showcase BetMGM.
The downtown hotel partner of the brand can also be found at Ford Field, with the return of the MGM Grand Detroit Tunnel Club. Lions Bingo offers MGM Grand Detroit prizes that can be obtained through the team app.
By participating in sports bets or engaging in online casinos and poker on the BetMGM online platform, Lions fans have the opportunity to receive exclusive branded merchandise. To claim two beer koozies, users can opt in and place a wager of $100. Additionally, a total of $950 in wagers will secure a stainless steel tumbler, while reaching $1,300 in bets will earn fans a cozy sherpa blanket.
Players who qualify will be sent an inbox message containing instructions on how to collect your prize(s).
If you wish to maintain the theme and earn exciting rewards, BetMGM Casino offers Detroit Lions Blackjack and Detroit Lions Roulette.
Hail Mary action coming in on the Detroit Lions
Every season without fail, overenthusiastic fans of the Lions place unlikely future bets like clockwork.
Perhaps, this could be the year, who knows?
On Wednesday, BetMGM reported that a Lions bettor stands to win a substantial amount if head coach Dan Campbell achieves great success in his inaugural season.
One of the noteworthy bets revealed by the bookmaker this week was a $1,000 wager placed on the Lions to emerge victorious in the NFC. This bet carried odds of +10000, meaning that if successful, the payout would amount to $100,000.
In terms of ticket count, the Lions are the second-most popular team to bet on for making the playoffs, trailing only Denver. It is worth noting that Colorado, another state where online sports betting is legal, has also seen a rise in popularity for BetMGM.
Well, best of luck with your wagers!
No fear: Jamie Foxx is back on your TV
Jamie Foxx’s presence in Michigan was minimal during the summer, but he has returned in a significant manner this fall.
The BetMGM Sportsbook spokesperson has been prominently featured on our sets since well before the January launch of online sports betting, and their presence has continued throughout the spring.
Due to the absence of major sporting events this summer, there was a decrease in the number of advertisements.
With the return of football, Jamie Foxx ads are back for another season. This year’s theme is “Win Like A King,” featuring commercials created by BetMGM in collaboration with agency 72andSunny New York.
Anticipate witnessing an abundance of J.B. Smoove promoting Caesars Sportsbook, alongside the ever-present FanDuel and DraftKings advertisements that have traditionally dominated the airwaves.
Approved operators for in-game advertising in partnership with the NFL include BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fox Bet, PointsBet, and WynnBET.
