Celebrities have always been highly sought-after advertising faces because they enjoy a wide reach and build trust. Consequently, it is more than understandable that many online gambling providers rely on well-known stars to promote their services. This now also applies to NFL stars, as the NFL has relaxed its betting policies for gambling providers. Letâs take a look at which stars have a particularly strong influence and why more and more of them are engaging in online gambling advertising.
Stars are popular ambassadors in the gambling industry
Famous athletes are undoubtedly the best ambassadors for gambling. Especially in sports betting, they are convincing because there is a direct connection to competition. But even in other forms of gambling, they increase the credibility of providers. In addition to athletes, influencers, musicians, and actors also play a major role. What ultimately counts is reach. If it is large enoughâmany stars have several million followersâbrand awareness increases significantly. In addition, the brand is perceived much more positively. Read the full story to gain a better overview of the role of celebrities in gambling advertising.
These NFL stars have major influence in the industry
For a long time, NFL stars were not allowed to serve as advertising faces for gambling because the league prohibited such partnerships. Since the liberalization of the U.S. market, this is no longer the case, as the NFL has adjusted its rules. Since then, there have been many campaigns where well-known players are in the spotlight. However, these campaigns are by no means limited to active professionals. Often, they are former legends who enjoy a good reputation and seek new sources of income after their professional careers. They are more willing to use their fame for advertising partnerships.
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders was one of the most important players for the Detroit Lions and was able to set numerous records during his active career. He has been retired since 1998 but remains a prominent figure in U.S. sports. Today, he is best known for his work as a BetMGM advertising ambassador. In 2021, he signed a multi-year million-dollar deal with the provider. Since then, he has repeatedly appeared in commercials, enthusiastically representing the brand. BetMGM is one of the largest gambling providers in the U.S., by the way. In addition to Barry Sanders, the company has signed many other athletes.
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch played most of his career for the Seattle Seahawks, where he earned the nickname âBeast Mode.â He ended his career in 2019, but he remains active in sports as the owner of several teams. He also has his own fashion brand, Beastmode, which is very popular in the U.S. Like Barry Sanders, he was also signed by BetMGM and appears frequently in commercials. As Marshawn Lynch has an entrepreneurial personality, it is highly likely that he will continue to be featured in many gambling marketing campaigns in the future. His positive attitude toward cooperation with major brands is no secret.
Rob Gronkowski
What sets Rob Gronkowski apart from other advertising personalities is his humorous and mass-appealing manner. Instead of presenting himself in a distant way, he always tries to score with humor. This laid-back charisma has also attracted gambling providers. Even before his official retirement in 2022, he regularly appeared in commercials for FanDuel. Nowadays, things have calmed down a little around him. However, his influence on gambling advertising still remains. This makes him one of the best-known faces in the industry. Strictly speaking, he is even one of its cult ambassadors. Because of him, gambling is viewed more positively by many Americans.
Outside the NFL, there is no shortage of big names
As important as NFL stars are for gambling advertising in the U.S., there are many other stars who appear in various campaigns. Even advertising icon Cristiano Ronaldo has repeatedly promoted gambling during his careerâsuch as for PokerStarsâand remains under contract with international betting providers. Outside the sports sector, Nicki Minaj is among those worth mentioning. Although Nicki Minajâs partnership with MaximBet did not last long because the company was forced to shut down, it is remarkable that the world-famous singer appeared as the face of a gambling brand at all. The same applies to hotel heiress Paris Hilton, who has promoted several online gambling providers.
How NFL stars and other celebrities shape the gambling landscape
Thanks to their sporting achievements, NFL stars are associated by fans with strength and credibility. They can transfer these qualities to the respective brand when acting as advertising faces. All it takes is a charismatic campaign that appeals to the right target group. What is certain is that the influence of celebrities on the gambling industry is immense. While online gambling initially struggled to overcome prejudice, the industry is now thrivingâand the influence of NFL stars and other celebrities has contributed significantly to this. In addition, regulations for gambling advertising have been relaxed in many countries (though not all). There are therefore more options for targeted marketing.
