Did you ever think that there's a connection between MMA and casino sponsorship? If this is news to you, we invite you to read the following article, discover all the advantages of casino sponsorships, and read about some MMA fighters sponsored by casinos.
Unless you've been living remotely for a while, you know that the online casino industry has become inextricably linked to one of the biggest industries in the world lately. Given its impact, the iGaming industry started to collaborate closely with MMA performers. The truth is that many people enjoy betting on MMA matches, which leads to the growth of MMA betting.
Given the gambling industry's significant popularity, it is not surprising that famous MMA fighters accept sponsorships from online casinos. However, what are the benefits of MMA sponsorship through casinos? You'll soon find out by reading our article, which will highlight the connection between betting sites and MMA.
MMA Advertising Through Online Casinos
Seeing gambling sponsors in any sport has become a trend, and MMA is no different. There's already a link between casino sites and sports, with many thrilled gamblers placing wagers since the beginning of MMA betting. Yet, there's more to it that must extra activities for spectators.
Let's discover some of the benefits casino sponsorships have in the plan for both the MMA and gambling industry.
Brand Awareness
Probably the main reason betting sites promote famous MMA teams is to raise brand awareness. If they get a sponsorship deal, the casinos get positive feedback from the audience and raise brand awareness and association.
Both these elements are essential in digital sponsorship, as all online casinos do their best to increase their visibility on the internet.
For instance, specialized platforms that highlight free spins no deposit opportunities and other promotional offers help bring casinos into the spotlight. By listing bonuses, reviewing deals, and cultivating partnerships, these sites draw large numbers of gaming fans who, in turn, become more familiar with the sponsoring casinos. This heightened visibility ultimately benefits not only the betting brands but also the MMA teams they support, as the entire ecosystem gains a stronger foothold in the competitive online gaming market.
Growing Profit
Another great advantage casino operators get from sponsoring MMA fighters is revenue growth. Merging the two markets—sports books and casinos—could bring significant profits. Most advantages come from famous athletes; thus, promoting them will attract even more followers. This little action can boost visibility and allow fans and the audience to be more involved with them.
Sports Betting's Influence
Marketers proved that people are more likely to choose an online casino if they see their favorite team or player promoting the company. This suggests that people are more likely to bet on sports besides MMA.
Also, sponsorships are a great opportunity for sports teams to create revenue worldwide. Even top-rated teams need sponsorships to make a profit. The partnership between the gambling industry and MMA is the main reason why there are more sponsorships now.
Offer Agreements in Online Casinos
Being a UFS fighter involves a lot of risks, so it's no surprise that fighters are looking for side hustles. This could be the reason why so many of them become brand ambassadors for various companies.
Below, we have a list of some popular players and fighters who earn extra from promoting online casinos.
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is a famous face in sports. Called "The Notorious," McGregor was the face of the fighting world for a very long time. But before he became a big name in the UFC's featherweight division, not many people knew who he was.
However, an online poker site took a chance on him and signed him up for sponsorship in 2013. It turned out to be a smart move because McGregor went on a winning streak for three years straight, only getting defeated once by Nate Diaz.
Thanks to this sponsorship deal, McGregor reportedly made $5 million a year. He's now #35 on Forbes' 2022 list of the highest-paid athletes, and he's also got his own whiskey brand, with an estimated net worth of $200 million.
Tim Barnett
Tim Barnett is a famous MMA athlete who became popular due to his work for the Cage Warriors.
During his time at CW, the welterweight fighter won twice, lost twice, and had one draw. He became quite popular in the UK's MMA and UFC scene, which led to him landing a big sponsorship deal with a major mobile casino company.
In 2017, Barnett was at his peak, winning three fights in a row. As part of the sponsorship, he wore the casino's logo on his clothes during his fights.
The casino director was thrilled to have signed one of the UK's top MMA prospects. But eventually, Barnett retired, with his last fight being in 2019 for Bellator in London.
Audley Harrison
Audley Harrison, a former heavyweight boxer from the UK, first tasted success at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, where he won a gold medal in the super-heavyweight category. He fought in 38 professional boxing matches throughout his career, winning 31 and losing 7. But boxing wasn't his only talent.
Apparently, Harrison is a big fan of poker. He not only had a sponsorship deal with a major online poker company but also won big prizes playing on their platform. In 2007, he scored a $75,000 win in one tournament and snagged $90,000 after finishing third in a high-stakes game another time.
Conclusion
As you can see, the sports scene has always had sponsorship deals. Through MMA commercial sponsorships, both the casino and the fighters enjoy the benefits of a thriving brand.
There are a few iconic athletes who proudly wear the logos of the companies that sponsor them. They basically turn themselves into walking billboards for these brands, which helps both the athletes and the companies get more attention.
In return, these sponsorship deals support the athletes financially and also contribute to the overall growth and popularity of the sport.