Making international headlines is one of the biggest sporting industries, NFL, and one of the biggest brands in the gambling industry, Gateway Casinos. Together the two have teamed up to form a mutually beneficial partnership. The news hit the media on the 13^th of August 2019 and has kept readers buzzing with questions. The casino has become the official sponsor of the NFL fantasy app and NFL fans can now enjoy the benefits of this partnership.

History was made along with the agreement between the two as Gateway Casinos is the first landmark casino to have signed the NFL in Canada in a sponsorship. The company, known as Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited, is also referred to as Gateway and is to become ‘The Official Land-Based Casino Partner’ of the National Football League in Canada.

What This Means for the Casino Operator

Many have been asking how the casino operator benefits from the sponsorship and the answer is a simple one. Gateway Casinos has now acquired the rights to utilize and benefit from using the NFL trademarks within Canada and use major NFL event attractions to their benefit for advertising purposes. The biggest events include NFL Draft, Pro Bowl and even the Super Bowl.

With the 2019 NFL season fast approaching, there have been rumours surfacing claiming Gateway already has several marquee events underway for a number of these NFL sporting days. In addition to this, the casino groups popular MATCH Eatery and Public House will be the official and exclusive presenting sponsor of the popular NFL Fantasy App. The idea is to deliver entirely unique experiences throughout their casino using food and beverage properties.

Gameway and MATCH Eatery and Public House will be present and have great locations on game day throughout the Super Bowl. Included in this experience will be tailored décor and innovative opportunities to meet the stars of the field. This is to change how fans experience game day and fans are going crazy with what is to be expected as the experience both brands have set out to deliver is promised to be ‘fully immersive’ in their NFL experience from when they set foot inside the venue.

Upon announcing the mutually beneficial deal, Gateway Casinos added that the group signed a multi-year agreement which holds the promise of a long and successful relationship between the two prominent names, both excelling in their industries.

Upon interviewing Gateway Casinos Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Carrie Kormos, the public learned that the group is thrilled to be partnering up with the NFL in Canada. She went on to say that the unique partnership will deliver exciting experiences in the future and given that the NFL is celebrating 100 years of football this 2019 season, Gateway will benefit exponentially as they will be celebrating together.

What this Means for the NFL

As the partnership has been tailored to benefit both parties, the NFL too receives good publicity and even gains Gateway Casino players as potential fans. David Thomson, the managing director of NFL Canada, told the media that NFL Canada is proud to be working with Gateway Casinos in a collaborated effort to aid in the acceleration of business in Canada.

Future Events

Kicking off the season are a number of events fans can already look forward to with the new collaboration taking place immediately. The first event will be held on the 22^nd August where fans will watch the Oakland Raiders and the Green Bay Packers. Rama Resort in Ontario will be hosting a kickoff party where fans can get up close and personal with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Gateway’s NFL Fantasy Football Draft – up until the 6^th of September 2019, all groups booking a draft party at any one of Gateways locations are entered to win a trip to an NFL game.

Gateway’s NFL Pick’Em Pool will have a treat beginning on the 5^th of September where pool participants stand to win their share of $15 000 which is awarded weekly and monthly. There is a grand prize up for grabs following the end of the season.

Run for the Money Kiosk Promotion takes places from the 28^th of August until the 27^th of October and allows customers the opportunity to receive instant prizes upon swiping their debit cards at the events kiosks. Prizes include a selection of food and beverage offers, NFL merchandise and more!

The forward-thinking approach to obtaining better business in Canada can be used as an example of all notorious brands seeking to expand.  As stated by David Thomson, the NFL and the players are as like-minded as Gateway Casinos in terms of setting themselves apart from the market through ‘unparalleled teamwork and commitment to excellence’. He went on to say that this approach makes theirs a powerful partnership in Canada. See here a full list of local Canada Casinos for your reference.