NFL picks Caesars as its first official casino sponsor

The NFL is officially embracing the world of legalized sports gambling, announcing Thursday it has signed a deal with Caesars Entertainment Corp. as the league’s first official casino sponsor.

The deal starts immediately, with Caesars using its brand at casino properties and events like this year’s playoffs and at Super Bowl LIII and April’s NFL Draft.

“All of us at Caesars Entertainment are thrilled to be the first-ever casino partner of the NFL, the most prominent sports league in North America,” said Mark Frissora, President and CEO of Caesars Entertainment. “Combining the league’s 180 million fans with our 55 million Total Rewards loyalty program members will expose millions of people to the exclusive and exciting year-round opportunities at our properties.”

The multi-year deal will have Caesars creating fan experiences using its casinos, celebrity chefs and musicians.

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with one of the world’s largest gaming and entertainment companies,” said Renie Anderson, Senior VP of NFL Partnerships, Sponsorship and Consumer Products. “Combining the NFL with Caesars’ expertise in world class entertainment will provide our fans unique experiences both here in the United States and abroad.”

Eight NFL teams already have deals with Caesars Entertainment, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Oakland and Philadelphia. The deals don’t include include any aspect of sports betting or fantasy leagues.

The 2020 NFL Draft is already set for the Caesars hotel in Las Vegas.

Chris Pastrick is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris at 724-226-4697, cpastrick@tribweb.com or via Twitter @CPastrickTrib.