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Edited by Sona59 at 25-12-2023 12:53 PM
MGM Resorts International (MGM) partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) last year to provide comprehensive content and real-time data services for fans and sports bettors. The agreement made MGM the official gaming partner of the NBA and WNBA. The specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, but according to ESPN, MGM would pay $25 million for a three-year contract.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated, As the sports betting industry in the United States continues to accelerate, MGM Resorts is a proven gaming leader and we are excited to partner with them on bringing best-in-class experiences to basketball fans and sports bettors. While Silver and MGM CEO Jim Murren praised each other's businesses and positions in their respective industries, detailed specifics of the partnership were limited. MGM has been the official resort of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces since the start of the 2018 season when the team relocated from San Antonio to Sin City.
The NBA stated that its deal with MGM gives the casino company "non-exclusive" rights to use NBA and WNBA data and branding for its land-based and digital gaming businesses. The league also mentioned that it would share real-time data with MGM. Murren noted that being named the NBA's official sports betting partner was crucial for ensuring the accuracy of data for sports bettors. "Integrating the NBA's assets into our platforms will provide us with a distinct advantage and help us ensure we're offering the most authentic and engaging gaming experience with the NBA," Murren summarized.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May, a 6-3 decision that provided states the freedom to establish their own sports betting regulations. Delaware and New Jersey joined Nevada in offering full-scale sports betting. New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Mississippi have passed bills to regulate the activity, with another 14 states considering proposed legislation.
The most significant concern for the NCAA and the four major leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL) regarding the expansion of the sports betting industry nationwide is protecting the integrity of sports. Silver, MLB's Rob Manfred, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and several NCAA schools have argued that if they are going to be wagered upon in games, they should receive a share of sports betting revenue. The integrity fee, also known as a royalty, is supposed to cover the added costs advocates argue they must incur to ensure that games are not manipulated or corrupted.
Nevada sportsbooks do not share sports betting revenue with the NCAA or professional leagues, and this issue was not mentioned in Tuesday's partnership announcement between MGM and the NBA. Some have suggested charging an integrity fee ranging from 0.20% to 1% of the total handle. Sports betting companies strongly oppose such fees, citing their thin profit margins.
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