He’s not the first, and certainly not the last big name (really big!) from the world of sports to be connected to Las Vegas and sports wagering. Shaq has signed on with yet another business partner – this time he’s going to be the new marketing spokesman and insider / advisor to WynnBet, a new app that will offer sports betting on mobile devices.
The business is part of Wynn Resorts Limited and their interactive division. Online sports wagering has become a monster business in just the past couple of years, with a lot of that growth coming in recent months, with all of us cooped up at home with not much to do other than stare at our mobile phone and laptop screens.
As for our man Shaq, he’ll be featured prominently in WynnBet’s advertising and lots more. You’ll see him at in-person fan events and gatherings, and he’ll be a business consultant to the company for this new program and future developments as well.
Those who follow Shaq-related news here at the ShaqFu Radio blog know that O’Neal is huge (in more than one way) when it comes to business activities and marketing. The 49-year-old basketball hall of famer has a long history as a celebrity endorser, and business leader. He’s on the Board of Directors for Papa John’s Pizza, and he’s the marketing “pitchman” for a host of companies, including Carnival Cruise Line, The General Insurance and lots more. That’s the day job(s). At night, he’s a sports commentator, rapper and DJ.
As we said, sports wagering is only now taking off like a proverbial rocket. That was mainly due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed states outside of Nevada to offer such online betting. That decision came in 2018, and the business has been mushrooming since them. More than half the states now allow some form of online and in-person sports wagering, according to the American Gaming Association.
Getting a sports superstar like Shaq is a huge win for Wynn (pardon the pun). Terms of the company’s arrangement with O’Neal weren’t announced. One thing we know for sure. Shaq will have to sell his minority ownership stake in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings franchise to comply with NBA rules on team owners not being involved with sports wagering.
As we said, Shaq is certainly not the only big name coming to the business of online sports wagering. MGM Resorts International’s BetMGM division has already picked up former hockey star Wayne Gretzky as their brand ambassador.
Supermodel Gisele Bundchen, the wife of seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, is a special adviser to the board of DraftKings Inc. on environmental matters, while her husband’s nonfungible token business, Autograph, has a strategic relationship with the company.
Be on the lookout for Shaq on yet another marketing platform. Our man gets around, doesn’t he? Nice!