The Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils are the first US pro sports teams to sign an agreement with an online poker company, announcing a multi-year deal with PartyPoker today.
Confirmed by both 76ers/Devils CEO Scott O'Neil and bwin.party CEO Norbert Teufelberger with a news conference planned for Thursday, Bloomberg reports PartyPoker will become the official online gaming partner of the Sixers, Devils and the Prudential Center in Newark.
The agreement includes "social media and digital asset creation," Bloomberg says, along with traditional in-arena advertising and television spots.
“We have this moment in time," O'Neil said, "that allows a company like ours, which is unique, which frames New Jersey, a pretty incredible opportunity."
“These are two of the most iconic names in American hockey and basketball," Teufelberger said in a statement, "with huge and loyal fanbases throughout New Jersey and the surrounding metropolitan areas."
Agreements with gaming companies are common in Europe with iconic football clubs Manchester United and Real Madrid among the many teams to enter official sponsorship deals.
According to estimates New Jersey’s online gambling market is expected to generate $435 million in revenue this year - a massive 83% of total revenues in the US. Read the full news story here.
Dream Seat Series Offers Courtside, Box Seats to Home Games
A very appealing addition to the partnership is the forthcoming Dream Seat Series where players can win regular, courtside and VIP box seats to 76er and Devils home games.
New depositors automatically get an entry to the Series while regulars can geat Dream Seat tickets playing daily freerolls and $1 qualifiers or by depositing again.
"The Dream Seat Series is a natural extension of the partypoker experience," said Party Poker pro Mike Sexton.
"We believe the Dream Seat Series adds an additional dimension of thrill to our offering that will appeal to a wide range of people who like a good game regardless of whether they’re watching it or playing in it.”
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