Derek Jeter is the latest addition to BetMGM, a top iGaming and sportsbook operator located in the five-time World Series champion’s home state of New Jersey.
On Monday, the digital gaming company co-owned by MGM Resorts International and Entain revealed the Baseball Hall of Fame member as its newest brand ambassador. Jeter becomes part of a lineup of stars and sports figures in the BetMGM ambassador program, featuring Jamie Foxx, Kevin Garnett, and Wayne Gretzky.
"BetMGM’s commitment to excellence and overall approach help them stand out as an innovator in their space,” Jeter said on the pact. “They have worked hard to create a real community in their audience. I look forward to working with their team to build connections within their base of players and support the company’s continued growth.”
In this position, Jeter will offer his image for an online slot game on the BetMGM platform. At present, there is no legal iGaming platform offering an interactive slot that includes a current or former MLB player. Currently, Jeter holds a 4% ownership in the Miami Marlins.
BetMGM Brand Representatives
While the financial details of the sponsorship remain undisclosed, BetMGM appears to be compensating Jeter, who dedicated two decades to the New York Yankees, a substantial sum to endorse its gaming services.
The online casino and sportsbook announces that Jeter will feature in its national ad campaigns, attend exclusive VIP events, and "be instrumental in advocating for BetMGM’s responsible gambling efforts in the United States and Canada." The phrase “The Captain” resonates widely with sports enthusiasts; Jeter will also feature in a commercial series named “Legendary Plays” set to launch on Tuesday, July 15.
“As BetMGM’s brand continues to evolve, we could not think of a better baseball ambassador to add to our Mount Rushmore of legendary athletes than Derek Jeter,” added Casey Hurbis, BetMGM’s chief marketing officer.
Jeter had a .310 batting average over his twenty years in the major leagues. He accumulated 3,465 hits, 260 home runs, and 1,311 RBIs.
A 14-time All-Star and the MVP of the 2000 World Series, Jeter’s 3,465 hits are sixth on the all-time list, trailing Pete Rose (4,256), Ty Cobb (4,189), Hank Aaron (3,771), Stan Musial (3,630), and Tris Speaker (3,514).
Do Celebrity Endorsements Make a Difference?
Although some may believe that encountering a recognizable face in an online casino or sportsbook isn't significant, for numerous consumers, a celebrity endorsement instills a feeling of confidence in the service. Given Jeter's peak popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, the shortstop can assist BetMGM in attracting older Millennials and Generation X gamblers.
During and following his career, Jeter’s image has been extremely favorable, even with numerous Mets supporters. As online gambling keeps advancing, and numerous websites and apps endorsing slots, table games, and sports betting emerge, BetMGM is relying on Jeter to make the platform distinguish itself in the competitive market.
The BetMGM Sportsbook is operational in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Its iGaming platform functions in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.