Posted on: July 10, 2024, 12:30h.
Last updated on: July 10, 2024, 01:41h.
MGM Resorts International is the first casino operator in the history of the famed New York Yankees to become a “Proud Partner” of the iconic MLB franchise.
The winningest team in professional baseball history with 27 World Series championships, the Bronx Bombers are partnering with one of the gaming industry’s most recognizable brands in MGM. Through the affiliation, the Bellagio and MGM Grand operator will offer its VIP players enrolled in MGM Rewards exclusive experiences like throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium and taking in batting practice from the warning track.
MGM has owned and operated Empire City Casino and the Yonkers Raceway for the past five years. The company is a front-runner for one of the three downstate casino licenses expected to be issued by the end of 2025.
Empire City can presently only offer slot-like video gaming terminals and electronic table games on behalf of the New York Lottery. A full license would allow MGM to bring Las Vegas-style slots, live dealer table games, and sports betting to the facility located about seven miles north of Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees deal expands MGM’s MLB team sponsorships to five. The casino and BetMGM operator additionally has club deals with the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals.
MGM has a casino in Detroit, in Springfield, Mass., and is soon deploying its BetMGM online sportsbook in the nation’s capital. Los Angeles is a major feeder market for MGM’s casinos in Las Vegas.
Iconic Team, Iconic Brand
Along with offering its highest rewards members exclusive opportunities at Yankee Stadium, MGM Resorts becoming a “Proud Partner of the New York Yankees” gives the casino company significant branding placement opportunities during Yankees’ games.
The MGM logo will be prevalent on LED signs throughout the stadium and will appear on rotating boards along the first and third baselines. MGM’s iconic roaring lion will also appear digitally on the back of the pitcher’s mound during live local television broadcasts of select games.
Empire City will host Yankees-themed fan activities and experiences involving both active and former MLB players.
“We remain committed to investing in the community, while collaborating with the New York Yankees to provide unparalleled experiences for baseball fans,” said Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts. “As we continue working to secure a full commercial casino license at Empire City, this partnership allows us to further develop these properties to their potential, while providing the world-class hospitality guests have come to expect from the MGM Resorts brand.”
Longtime MLB Partner
Just five months after the US Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on single-game sports betting that had limited such gambling to Nevada, MGM Resorts in November 2018 struck a wide-ranging partnership with Major League Baseball to become its “Official Gaming Partner” and “Official Entertainment Partner.” The company has also been the “Official Partner of MLB Players, Inc.,” since 2022.
MGM was additionally the title sponsor of the league’s 2019 Opening Series played in the Tokyo Dome. MGM is building a multibillion-dollar integrated resort casino in Osaka and has held a significant brand presence in Japan since the country legalized up to three casino resorts in 2018.
