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As a Michigan sports team and operator join forces on another sports betting agreement, a renowned local athlete is taking the lead in forging a partnership. Richard Hamilton, former champion of the Detroit Pistons, will serve as a brand ambassador for PointsBet, the upcoming Michigan online sportsbook. This collaboration was announced on Tuesday, alongside the Pistons’ agreement with PointsBet.
According to recent reports, Hamilton, whose No. 32 is displayed at Little Caesars Arena, becomes the inaugural athlete from a Michigan professional sports franchise to sign with a sportsbook operator. The launch of Michigan online gambling is expected to take place later this month.
On the other hand, PointsBet is strengthening its connections with Michigan. In a groundbreaking move, the company entered into an agreement with the Detroit Tigers last year, becoming the first MLB team to do so. Meanwhile, the Pistons have already established partnerships with FanDuel and DraftKings.
PointsBet has a history of enlisting local athletes to endorse their platform, and they did so again by partnering with Devin Hester last year alongside their agreement with the Chicago Bears. However, the addition of Hamilton as a Michigan athlete marks a new milestone for the company.
Rip Hamilton not the first pro athlete in PointsBet’s corner
The Australian company, PointsBet, faces a challenging task of establishing its name in the competitive Michigan online sports betting market. Therefore, it is logical for the company to pursue deals like this one.
Hamilton, renowned for his Rip moniker and iconic facial shield, contributed to the Pistons’ triumph in the 2004 NBA championship. He dedicated nine seasons to the red, white, and blue team.
PointsBet is relying on the nostalgic power of the three-time All-Star and UConn national champion to boost their future prospects.
Hamilton expressed in a press release that his affection for Michigan and the city of Detroit is widely known.
I am filled with immense excitement to become a part of the PointsBet team and contribute to providing the swiftest and top-notch sports betting experience to the greatest fans in sports. The offerings from PointsBet are bound to captivate Detroit sports fans, including a customized app dedicated to their supported teams and an unparalleled number of betting options worldwide, with up to 1,000 markets available per NBA game.
Hamilton enthusiastically highlighted the distinctive aspects of the site, including the Name A Bet feature and the points betting platform. With excitement, he exclaimed, “There’s no reason not to adore it! Brace yourself, Michigan – ‘Yessir’!”
A partnership announcement stated that PointsBet plans to utilize Hamilton’s expertise in basketball, particularly in relation to the Detroit sports scene. They aim to combine his valuable insights with the company’s top-notch offerings.
Previously, PointsBet has established partnerships with individual athletes. Notably, in New Jersey, the brand has a prominent association with former Philadelphia 76ers player Allen Iverson, which has been creatively showcased through a series of TV advertisements.
In 2018, Darrelle Revis, the NFL cornerback who played for the NY Jets and New England Patriots, partnered with PointsBet to establish the Revis Betting Academy.
More on the Detroit Pistons, PointsBet deal in Michigan
As the anticipated online launch nears this month, Detroit Pistons fans have been bombarded with sports betting commercials and signs, leaving no shortage of exposure to this trend.
Little Caesars Arena prominently features FanDuel and DraftKings, while Parx Casino’s brands are displayed on the digital courtside apron. Additionally, BetRivers not only runs commercials but also sponsors broadcast spots on Fox Sports Detroit.
Regarding the PointsBet agreement, it grants the operator complete access to Pistons intellectual property, trademarks, and logos. Additionally, it offers sponsorship possibilities and enhanced brand visibility through different digital and social platforms. Moreover, the company will possess rights to select in-game digital signage opportunities that are visible during broadcasts.
In addition to the team’s mobile app and social media channels, PointsBet will also be featured on pistons.com.
When will PointsBet online sportsbook arrive in Michigan?
The Australian company had previously stated that it would not launch until early 2021, which PointsBet reiterated despite the initial expectation of Michigan online gambling launching in late 2020.
With everyone gearing up to start soon, PointsBet will be positioned at the starting line in a highly competitive race.
In Michigan, we anticipate a total of 15 online sports betting operators to be available in due course. Access to this industry is facilitated through the involvement of each of the state’s 12 federally recognized Native American tribes, as well as three Detroit commercial casinos.
In the early stages, PointsBet established a connection with the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians tribe. This particular tribe is responsible for the operation of Northern Waters Casino Resort, located in Watersmeet within the western Upper Peninsula.
PointsBet is highly enthusiastic and optimistic about its venture into the Michigan market, which is a significant market for the company. Michigan serves as the inaugural market for PointsBet’s online casino, amplifying the overall excitement. The recent partnership with the Detroit Pistons has further elevated the positive atmosphere at PointsBet.
Johnny Aitken, CEO of PointsBet USA, expressed his excitement about the partnership with the Pistons, as it allows them to collaborate with an exceptional organization backed by incredibly passionate fans.
We are excited about the chance to cater to the sports bettors in Michigan with a personalized platform that offers unmatched speed and user-friendliness. Being associated with the Pistons and having Rip Hamilton as our brand ambassador, a respected champion in college and professional sports, aligns perfectly with the PointsBet philosophy, which values hard work and spirited style. Michigan truly is an exceptional state for sports.
The PointsBet Pick 6, a free-to-play challenge offered in Michigan, presents a weekly chance to win $25,000.
