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Read Full BioHard Rock Bet has announced a partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, further tightening the platform’s exclusive right to offer legal online sports betting in Florida.
As part of the partnership, Hard Rock Bet says it will offer exclusive promotions and betting deals to Buccaneers fans, both in person at Raymond James Stadium and through its sportsbook app.
In a press release, Nick Menas, spokesperson for Hard Rock Bet, stated: “This partnership will elevate the way fans connect with the Buccaneers and bring our players closer to the action through exclusive experiences and unparalleled access.
“We’re seeing the excitement around the team in the app — as the Buccaneers are among our most heavily bet teams — and are confident we’ll continue to see that level of engagement and enthusiasm throughout the partnership.”
Florida Dominance Gives Hard Rock Bet Strong Position
Hard Rock Bet is estimated to hold around 5% of the online sports betting market, with its dominance in Florida a large contributor. In addition to the Sunshine State, it is live in nine other states across the US, including New Jersey and Ohio, and it most recently launched in Colorado in June this year.
Several lawsuits have challenged Hard Rock Bet’s right to offer online sports betting in Florida, but so far, judges have sided with the Seminole Tribe, who own the platform.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a motion to dismiss the latest lawsuit in June against the compact signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe in 2021. The deal allows online sports betting in the state based on the interpretation that bets are technically being placed on tribal lands because the servers are located there.
The lawsuit, filed by Protect The Constitution, LLC, claims that voter approval is required to expand gambling in the state. In 2018, Florida residents voted in favor of an amendment to the constitution that would give voters the right to choose on any future legalization of betting options.
Hard Rock Bet generated an estimated $881 million from online sports betting in Florida last year, but this was outdone by unregulated gambling, which a Yield Sec report suggested generated $3.3 billion.
ESPN Bet Set to Compete with Hard Rock During NFL Season
While FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the sports betting market in the US, Hard Rock Bet is among the other leading platforms. Its 5% market share is thought to be ahead of ESPN Bet’s share of around 3%, as well as just ahead of Caesars and BetMGM.
ESPN’s recent deal with the NFL is expected to lead to a greater number of football bettors gambling on ESPN Bet this coming season. The platform, operated by PENN Entertainment, launched FanCenter last week with the aim of monetizing ESPN’s purchase of RedZone, NFL Network, and the NFL’s fantasy football operations.
Tampa Bay fans may be likely to continue betting with Hard Rock Bet, however. The Buccaneers’ Chief Commercial Officer, Atul Khosla, commented on the deal, noting: “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the gameday experience and evolve with the needs of our fans.
“This partnership brings the best of both worlds — exclusive opportunities and unique in-game app experiences — giving fans more ways to engage, whether they’re watching from home or cheering from their seat at Raymond James Stadium.”
