Online gambling site Bodog announced this week that it has signed an advertising deal with the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS). The agreement gives Bodog.net additional exposure through ad placements on all LED field boards at the Home Depot Center, LA Galaxy’s stadium, plus corner section banners, branding displayed on in-stadium TVs, and ad spots on the stadium’s scoreboard.
“Both the LA Galaxy and Bodog brands are recognized around the globe, making this partnership not only mutually beneficial, but a perfect synergy across the United States and beyond,” said Ed Pownall, Global PR Director at BodogBrand.com. “The fantasy sports industry has grown exponentially in recent years and is showing no signs of stopping, and soccer, with its many dimensions, offers itself perfectly to fantasy sports games.”
The Galaxy, led by world recognized superstars David Beckham and Landon Donovan, are in their 15th season in the MLS and coming off a runner-up finish in the 2009 MLS Cup, losing on penalty kicks to Real Salt Lake. The organization has won two league titles, in 2002 and 2005, and is among the league’s most decorated clubs. The Galaxy’s stadium holds 27,000 fans and averages more than 20,000 per night, which ranks second in the MLS.
Bodog already dipped into the soccer sponsorship world last year as the gaming partner of English Premier League and reigning Europa League runner-up Fulham. The two sides signed a three-year sponsorship deal in August that includes Bodog’s branding presence at Fulham’s Craven Cottage stadium incorporating perimeter advertising at home matches as well as game-day programs and a sponsorship presence on Fulham’s club website. Bodog joined sites like Bwin, William Hill, and Bettorlogic as online gambling sites that sponsor soccer teams.
Bodog also recently signed a one-year deal to advertise with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers to advertise its free-to-play Bodog.net brand for the upcoming season. The deal includes rink board advertising, concourse signage, radio spots, and LED and LCD signage and was the first of its kind for the online gaming company.
“The Edmonton Oilers are ingrained in the fabric of the sport I have followed all my life,” said Patrik Selin, CEO of Bodog Europe. “As a Swede, hockey is near and dear to my heart and we are sure that our first season with the Oilers will be a great one for us and the team. We are in this deal as fans of the game not just as commercial sponsors.”
Bodog.net is a play for fun website that allows poker players a chance to safely and securely learn the ins and outs of how to play the game. Sports fans also have a chance to participate in Bodog.net’s free fantasy contests for a chance to win weekly cash prizes with a prize pool totaling $75,000.
