For the first time since the team was formed 100 years ago, the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin have partnered with a casino. The NFL squad has had an ongoing relationship with the nearby Oneida Casino, but has taken that relationship to the next level, making the gambling venue its “Official Casino of the Green Bay Packers.” This is just the latest example of how sports and gambling continue to merge and the trend isn’t expected to stop anytime soon.
The VP of sales and business development for the Packers, Craig Benzel, said in an announcement this past Wednesday, “As two strong Northeastern Wisconsin organizations, the Packers and Oneida Nation have a long history of working together. We look forward to continuing to build upon our partnership by creating new and exciting experiences for fans in the years ahead.”
The NFL has eased up somewhat on the rules governing relationships between sports teams and companies in the gambling space, including casinos. Sports gambling is also making its way into the league, as evidenced by the introduction of several related endeavors. The Washington Redskins launched a trial run for “predictive gaming” during the team’s preseason appearances, and the LA Rams have put together an app that, eventually, could be used for sports wagers.
The Packers and Oneida have been close for over 20 years. They have worked on several different programs over the period, including a partnership launched 17 years ago that developed the Oneida Nation Gate at the Packers’ home turf, Lambeau Field.
The partnership has already reached the promotion level, with the two holding several sweepstakes this past summer. Among the prizes up for grabs were season tickets, VIP passes to the Packers-Raiders game on October 20 and more.
Louise Cornelius, the GM for gaming at Oneida, says of the arrangement, “Oneida Casino is celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, and we are proud to help mark that milestone by enhancing our partnership with the Packers. As the Official Casino of the Green Bay Packers, we are excited to work even more closely with the organization to offer unforgettable entertainment for fans, visitors and community members.”
