The NFL’s New York Giants recently signed a multi-year deal with sports betting giant, DraftKings. Under the terms of the agreement, the Daily Fantasy Sports and sports betting company will be the designated official sports betting, daily fantasy, and iGaming provider for the team.
DraftKings describes the deal as a “multi-faceted arrangement.” The online sportsbook now has exclusive access to official Giants logos as well as a unique virtual SportsLounge available on Giants’ game days.
“The New York Giants have continued to be a fabulous organization to work with over the years, and we’re excited to expand our relationship as the Giants’ Official Exclusive Sports Betting, Daily Fantasy, and iGaming operator,” said Ezra Kucharz, DraftKings’ Chief Business Officer. “Both DraftKings and the Giants are committed to the enhanced customer experience through our product offerings and authenticity. We look forward to joining forces across all platforms as the highly-anticipated NFL season finally gets underway.”
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New York Giants Games Among the Most Popular Bets on DraftKings
NFL football continues to be the most popular sports bet on the DraftKings platform; the collaboration with the Giants plans to enhance both customer engagement and experience throughout NFL seasons for years to come.
Moreover, both partners will provide a weekly Free-to-Play Pick ‘Em game available to Giants fans. Of the more than 700 sports teams available to bet on the DraftKings Sportsbook, the NY Giants rank high as one of the most highly bet on teams by both wagers and handle.
“Our improved agreement with DraftKings gives us innovative opportunities as we deliver a best-in-class fan experience,” said New York Giants Chief Commercial Officer Pete Guelli. “DraftKings is the undisputed leader in sports betting and daily fantasy sports. We’re excited to be the first NFL team to have such an exclusive integrated deal in the sports betting sector.”
DraftKings and the New York Giants have already worked together for several years, and under the new agreement, DraftKings will receive premier brand integration in MetLife Stadium during all New York Giants home games.
Furthermore, DraftKings will be acknowledged as a sponsor and exclusive sportsbook advertiser across all Giants-controlled media including network television (MSG Networks, NBC, MY9), radio broadcasts (Entercom/WFAN), and digital and social media (Giants.com and the official New York Giants mobile app). Moreover, the online sportsbook will be able to offer Giant’s fans several hospitality and experiential benefits.
The New York Home Team Has Embraced Sports Betting, But Will NY Governor Cuomo?
It’s no secret that Governor Andrew Cuomo has been opposed to legalizing online sports betting in New York State. The state legislature, led by Senator Addabbo, has repeatedly submitted bills, such as Bill S17D, to legalize online sports betting.
While retail sportsbooks within casinos are legal in New York State, online sportsbooks are not, and the governor believes an amendment to the state’s constitution is necessary to approve it.
New York launched local sports betting in the upstate casinos in July 2019. However, unlike other states, New York only legalized in-person retail sportsbooks located within the casinos.
While there was hope that Governor Cuomo would sign off on online betting during the first quarter of 2020, however, Cuomo seems to be avoiding the subject. In fact, the governor has said he believes there are other ways to boost tax revenue in the state. The governor also has pointed out that he is reluctant to sign any more gaming legislation, due to the issue of gambling addiction.
Senator Joseph Addabbo responded, “This is the number one way that New York is losing revenue. We’re losing out on educational funding because a portion of our gambling taxes goes toward educational funding. Also, right now, if you want to help someone who has a gambling addiction you can’t help them since you don’t know who they are. Now that the pandemic’s hit, you can just add another $10 billion to our already $7 billion deficit in our state budget.”
Addabbo went on to say, “I was advocating that online sports betting should’ve been in the budget back in April. It’s a tax revenue generator and an educational funding generator. But we had that opportunity and the Governor decided not to do it. And here we are six months later and our need for revenue and education funding has grown even more.”
