Caesars Entertainment partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to become the team’s only official casino. The deal also makes Caesars Sportsbook a sports betting partner.
The multi-year agreement adds to the Colts-Caesars partnerships with Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Caesars Sportsbook will receive naming rights for Lucas Oil Stadium’s South Gate, which will become Caesars South Gate and open
a Caesars Sportsbook Lounge at the stadium’s former Blue Room. Live odds will be displayed on LED screens and Caesars ambassadors will help fans download the Caesars Sportsbook App and place bets.
“This new partnership expands our ability to offer Colts fans a truly unique experience, whether at Lucas Oil Stadium or watching from home on gameday,” said Roger VanDerSnick, Colts chief sales and marketing officer.
Caesars Sportsbook will be integrated into the franchise’s media and marketing efforts, with offers and promotions for fans through the sports betting app.
“Indiana has been a special place for our company, and we know how passionate these fans are for their home team,” said Chris Holdren, co-president of Caesars Digital. “Caesars will continue to push for innovation to bring the best in sports experiences, both in-person and on mobile, to the Hoosier State through Caesars Sportsbook and our partnership with the NFL.”
Caesars also signed a multi-year partnership to become the gaming and sportsbook partner of the Louisiana State University athletics department. The value of the deal will be “multiple millions” of dollars, a person familiar with the agreement said, according to ESPN.
The alliance will focus on alumni and fan engagement opportunities while expanding responsible sports gaming and education, with guidance by multi-media rights holder, Playfly Sports.
“LSU Athletics programs have always exemplified excellence, and at Caesars, we couldn’t be happier to partner with such an iconic brand in college athletics,” Holdren said. “We have a proud legacy in Louisiana and bringing LSU fans and alumni closer to the sports they love while also offering scholarship opportunities will help us build upon that.”
Caesars Sportsbook will receive marketing and sponsorship resources including naming rights for the Caesars Sportsbook Skyline Club at Tiger Stadium, signage throughout the stadium, additional signage at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Alex Box Stadium, and an exclusive presence on the LSU Sports mobile app.
Broadcast and digital sponsorship rights and visibility for Caesars Sportsbook throughout all of LSU’s 21 men’s and women’s sports programs are also part of the deal, as are opportunities for Caesars Sportsbook customers to attend LSU athletic events and access VIP hospitality at Tiger Stadium through Caesars Rewards.
Caesars will work with the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, and the community to provide responsible gaming resources to all eligible sports bettors in the state and driving awareness of the responsible gaming tools available on the Caesars Sportsbook app.
In addition to a financial commitment to LSU, Caesars will also create an annual scholarship fund to support Louisiana-resident students who major in sports administration, commerce, and leadership.
The deal comes as Louisiana, already home to several land-based or riverboat casinos, prepares to offer sports betting. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is accepting casino applications for sports betting licenses.
“We share a clear vision of how athletics and entertainment can come together to enhance the fan experience,” LSU athletic director Scott Woodward said. “We are excited to join with Caesars to make that vision a reality.”
Another deal involving sports betting, Caesars and Louisiana revolves around the publisher of the Times-Picayune and the New Orleans Advocate. The publisher, through NOLA.com, has partnered with Caesars Entertainment, a deal which makes the publication an exclusive sports betting and odds provider for Caesars Sportsbook, according to CDC Gaming Reports.
Governor John Bel Edwards signed legislation legalizing sports betting in June 2020 for 55 parishes.
“The partnership with NOLA.com allows us to deepen our connection to the people of Louisiana,” Coldren said. “Through collaborative content, we will bring sports fans closer to the games they love by delivering fun, engaging, and timely updates to keep readers apprised on what’s happening in the sports world.”
Caesars Sportsbook will provide odds, trends, analysis, and exclusive offers to readers via Bet.NOLA.com. The partnership also will integrate live lines and odds directly from Caesars Sportsbook with newspaper content.
“Caesars is the leader in this space, and with their presence in Louisiana already, they were the natural choice to be our premier partner,” said NOLA.com President and Publisher Judi Terzotis in a statement. “Our goal is to provide our readers with the widest variety of the most accurate odds. Caesars is the only one who can provide that.
