Caesars Sportsbook Nabs Sponsorship Deal With the Chicago White Sox

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After signing a tremendous acquisition deal to purchase William Hill in 2020, Caesars Interactive Entertainment made clear they had designs on becoming a major force in the U.S, sports betting community. That goal was further indicated when they signed a significant sponsorship deal for naming rights to the Superdome in New Orleans in 2021. Now comes news that Caesars has inked a new deal with MLB's Chicago White Sox franchise.

As part of this partnership deal, the Southside Chicago White Sox will get exclusive access to a host of benefits, including but not limited to White Sox logos, LED signage, and the White Sox's digital and social media assets. On the Caesars' side of the ledger, the sports betting operators will be able to offer cross-promotions through the Caesars Rewards program.

This is another huge score for management at Caesars Interactive Entertainment. According to Caesars CEO Tom Reeg (in a press release): “It’s a perfect time for Caesars to align with an iconic franchise like the Chicago White Sox. Some of the most passionate sports fans in the country call Illinois home. Caesars can provide White Sox fans and sports fans across the state with the very best in sports experiences through our world-class resorts and the recent relaunch of the Caesars Sportsbook app now available for mobile registration.”

This move should not come as a surprise to the U.S. sports betting community. With Caesars currently operating retail and or mobile sportsbooks in 24 states to date, they are already established as the largest sports betting operator in the U.S.

While no mention has been made of eventually trying to open a retail sports betting outlet in Guaranteed Rate Park, Caesars is sure to have a prominent marketing presence throughout the stadium.

Chicago Professional Sports Teams Making Deals

With the White Sox signing this deal with Caesars, they join a host of other professional sports franchises in Chicago that have also signed deals with top sports betting operators. Among the prior deals signed were:

• The NFL's Chicago Bears signing with BetRivers Sportsbook (Rush Street Interactive)
  
• The NBA's Chicago Bulls signing with Betway
  
• Wrigley Field (MLB's Chicago Cubs) signing with DraftKings
  
• United Center (Chicago Bulls) has a pending deal with Fanduel
  

That leaves the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the WNBA's Chicago Sky as the state's only professional sports franchises that haven't yet aligned with the sports betting community.

Could Ohio Be Eyeing a Sports Betting Start Date in November 2022?

It would appear that Ohio will be the next heavily populated state to start accepting sports wagers. Originally, a start date of January 1, 2023, was established by the legislature and Ohio Governor Mike Dewine.

However, the Ohio State Buckeyes are scheduled to play arch-rival Michigan Wolverines on November 26, 2022. If the Ohio Casino Control Commission can get licenses issued within 2 months of their prescribed application deadline at end of August, it's quite possible Ohio sports bettors could be wagering on the big game.