Bally’s Interactive and the Cleveland Browns have announced a long-term partnership, featuring a number of fan-focused elements while establishing Bally’s Interactive as an official mobile sports betting partner with the NFL franchise.
The partnership will be highlighted by a Bally’s Interactive lounge at FirstEnergy Stadium, along with the launch of the mobile Bally Bet Sportsbook app in Ohio with free-to-play gaming opportunities. Teaming up with the Browns marks the 18th state in which Bally’s will have market access for online sports betting in the U.S.
Sports betting became legal in Ohio on Dec. 22 when Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB29. However, the real-money sports betting system is still in development and is not expected to be operational until later this year. The law states that it must be launched by Jan. 1, 2023.
“In addition to their incredible resources and expertise, Bally’s Interactive has the fan-first mindset that is consistent with our focus and pivotal to creating successful, fully integrated sports betting experiences, and we look forward to supporting Bally’s efforts to provide these innovative opportunities to Browns fans and all sports fans in Ohio in the near future,” said Haslam Sports Group CEO and Executive Vice President Dave Jenkins. “As we continue to work closely with sports betting regulators in our state to ensure a responsible and timely launch, we are excited and confident that our partnership with Bally’s will ultimately offer industry leading benefits to fans throughout Cleveland and Ohio.”
We're proud to announce a long-term agreement with Bally's Interactive to become an official sports betting partner
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 26, 2022
Bally’s Interactive lounge offers new venue
The location and specific fan accommodations for the Bally-themed lounge, which will be available for fans 21 and older, are still in the works. The lounge will enable fans to view on-the-field action during Browns games while also watching games taking place across the NFL on video screens.
“We are excited to partner with such a historic pro football franchise to secure sports betting market access in Ohio, and bring to its fanbase more ways to engage through our online gaming platforms,” said Adi Dhandhania, Bally’s Interactive CEO of North America. “The Browns’ stadium and game-day atmosphere provide a great opportunity for us to showcase our Bally Bet Sportsbook app and Bally Play products in Ohio.”
Pending appropriate licensing and regulatory approvals, Bally’s intends to launch a mobile sports betting app that will allow fans to place wagers on sporting events from anywhere in FirstEnergy Stadium and across the state. The partnership will also allow for various fan engagement, including unique digital content and a free-to-play predictor game that will give registered users the chance to earn special Browns-themed, non-cash promotional prizes.
