The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday has announced a partnership with betPARX to pursue mobile sports betting access in Ohio.
The deal makes betPARX — the new iGaming brand of Pennsylvania-based Parx Casino — the exclusive mobile sports betting sponsor of the Memorial Tournament. The PGA-sanctioned tourney is held annually at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. In addition, it was announced that betPARX will serve as an official betting operator of the PGA Tour.
The Memorial Tournament, which is scheduled for June 2-5, will air on CBS, Golf Channel and PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+.
“The Memorial Tournament joins Ohio’s other professional sports franchises in recognizing the time and energy put into legalizing sports gaming,” Memorial Tournament Executive Director Dan Sullivan said in a press release. “Further, we are excited to partner with betPARX to help bring its platform to Ohio and offer an enhanced fan experience at the Memorial Tournament beginning in 2022 and for years to come.”
Just in, @betPARX partners with #theMemorial Tournament for mobile sports betting access in Ohio!
📄 https://t.co/J3KcOvYVhO pic.twitter.com/IXPaQ8AytC
— the Memorial (@MemorialGolf) March 16, 2022
Placing bets on golf in Ohio
Under the Ohio sports wagering bill, the Memorial Tournament and betPARX will apply for a Type-A license, which would enable betPARX to offer its mobile sports betting platform across the state. Currently, legalized sports wagering is not up and running in Ohio. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is working to have the system in place by Jan. 1, as required by the law.
“The PGA Tour supports the state of Ohio’s progressive thinking and approach to sports betting,” said Norb Gambuzza, PGA Tour senior vice president of media and gaming. “We are excited to partner with betPARX and the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday to help grow the betPARX platform and be a part of delivering regulated sports betting in Ohio.”
BetPARX, as an official betting operator, will have the rights to use PGA Tour marks, video highlights, and other intellectual property on its sports wagering platform.
“BetPARX Sportsbook is thrilled to partner with both the Memorial Tournament and the PGA Tour,” said Matthew Cullen, betPARX senior vice president of sports. “This is a significant moment as we expand the betPARX business into new states such as Ohio with a new brand and a faster, easier betting experience with the all-new betPARX app.
“BetPARX will have the most comprehensive live golf betting capabilities in the market through our partnership with the PGA Tour. We see golf as critical to our business at a time in which there is a resurgence in participation and viewership. The Midwest is a focal point for our business as we expand, and Ohio’s central position to these adjacent states makes this a highly important market for us.”
A legendary tournament
Patrick Cantlay outlasted Collin Morikawa to win last year’s Memorial Tournament, which included one extra playoff hole to determine the winner.
“The Memorial Tournament is proud to welcome betPARX as our mobile sports betting sponsor,” said Jack Nicklaus II, Memorial Tournament general chairman. “We are fortunate to align with such a strong organization that shares in our interest to provide this new opportunity to golf and sports fans throughout the state while maintaining the integrity of the game and the tournament.
“My father created the Memorial Tournament in 1976 as a method of giving back to the state and the community he and my mom have loved. For the past 47 years, the Memorial has drawn countless number of fans and generated millions for Nationwide Children’s Hospital and so many deserving charities.”
