So the legal betting landscape is still pretty new in the U.S. – which means all kinds of craziness – and now we have more with MLB star Charlie Blackmon doing a deal to endorse a sportsbook…
Colorado Rockies star Blackmon becomes the first ever MLB player to do a deal like this after agreeing terms with MaximBet.
Per a report by ESPN, the four-time All Star will appear as a brand ambassador for the betting company in both marketing campaigns and in content on social media. The Rockies already have a partnership with MaximBet.
We don’t know where to start with all the integrity issues of a specific player being specifically tied to a betting company – a little bit different to the league and franchise deals being done right now.
Compare this to the way the NFL is dealing with betting – remember it handed down a one-year ban to Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley after he placed a parlay bet while away from the team dealing with mental health issues.
Blackmon said in a press release: “As I learned more about MaximBet, I knew this absolutely was the right brand for me. MaximBet has really attached itself to the local Colorado community, and I cannot wait to have some fun with MaximBet and surprising fans with incredible ‘money can’t buy’ experiences all season.”
Wow – how many times can you say MaximBet in one paragraph?
Players are allowed to do deals like this due to the new CBA but apparently are not allowed to bet. Feels like a dangerous game and a slippery slope to us though.
Need to keep the actual on-field at last with some distance from the betting app or terminal.