As Louisiana prepares to permit legal sports betting for the first time, there are reports that the state’s flagship university became the first in the Bayou State to enter into a multi-year sponsorship agreement with a gambling company.
A number of media outlets have said that the deal is worth millions of dollars, although a number hasn’t yet been published. There are no plans to build a sportsbook in LSU game venues such as Tiger Stadium.
In the meantime, the state’s Gaming Control Board continues to accept applications from casinos for sports betting licenses.
State rules that govern college sports allow athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness (aka NIL) without jeopardizing their eligibility.
Caesars is already part of the state’s sports landscape and has bought naming rights to the Superdome which is the home stadium of the NFL’S New Orleans Saints.
Caesars will also receive naming rights for the Caesars Sportsbook Skyline Club at Tiger Stadium and signage throughout Death Valley.
The Athletic Director at Louisiana State University, Scott Woodward said: “We share a clear vision of how athletics and entertainment can come together to enhance the fan experience. We are excited to join with Caesars to make that vision a reality.”
In a joint statement, Caesars said that it was committed to working with the Louisiana Association of Compulsive Gambling, regulators and the community to provide responsible gaming resources to all eligible gamblers in the state.
