PokerStars announced Friday it has signed a partnership with the Detroit Red Wings.
The multi-year deal will make PokerStars an official sponsor of the Red Wings. This is the first partnership for PokerStars with a U.S. professional sports team.
It’s also the latest in online sportsbook, casino and poker platforms partnering with Detroit pro sports franchises.
What’s included in the partnership
The partnership between PokerStars and the Detroit Red Wings will offer fans and Michigan online poker players a combination of entertainment through leading poker experiences.
Rewards for users will include signed memorabilia, merchandise, tickets, and engaging fan opportunities and experiences.
“We are extremely proud and excited to build a long-term relationship with such an iconic NHL team as the Red Wings,” said Severin Rasset, PokerStars US Managing Director, in a press release. “Through this partnership, we look forward to delivering epic experiences for our PokerStars community, expanding on what we can offer our Michigan based players, as well as those across the rest of the US.”
Fans attending Red Wings games can expect to see PokerStars prominently featured around Little Caesars Arena for home games.
The famous Winged Wheel of the Red Wings will be included among PokerStars’ marketing materials as well.
“This is a partnership that our fans, especially poker players, will really enjoy,” said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of Ilitch Sports & Entertainment. “It’s great to see PokerStars’ branding on the ice-level at Little Caesars Arena, and we’re very appreciative of their support.”
PokerStars joins Detroit pro sports market
PokerStars becomes the latest online gambling operator to join up with the Detroit pro sports teams.
Currently, Little Caesars Arena features PointsBet Sports Bar, which is sponsored by PointsBet Sportsbook.
PointsBet Sports Bar is a 7,200 square foot, full-service bar and restaurant that’s open for both Pistons and Red Wings games and acts as a digital sportsbook.
Pistons games exclusively feature the BetRivers Backcourt Club behind the visiting baseline as well.
Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, features WynnBet Sports Bar, another digital sportsbook and restaurant.
The Lions also have marketing partnerships with BetMGM and Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. The Detroit Tigers have partnerships with BetMGM and PointsBet as well.
BetMGM Online Casino MI features specialized games associated with the Lions, Tigers and Red Wings. DraftKings Online Casino MI includes Detroit Pistons Blackjack.
PokerStars MI holding steady
PokerStars is a natural fit with a Detroit pro sports team as Michigan is one of six states with legalized online poker.
The poker app is also tied with the online casino operation of Stars Casino MI. Stars has made up just over 1.9% of the all-time market share for online casino revenue in Michigan.
As of October 2021, Stars Casino has tallied $44.2 million in all-time online casino revenue. That ranks 10th out of Michigan’s 15 operators since iGaming launched in January of 2021.
