Kevin Garnett is becoming the burgeoning national face of BetMGM. The Boston Celtics legend is the perfect brand ambassador for sports betting, not just in Massachusetts, but nationwide.
Given his success, Massachusetts residents should expect to see more of Garnett in BetMGM marketing campaigns.
The Massachusetts sports betting market has six months in the books, and Garnett has been a prominent figure from the start.
Becoming BetMGM’s lead ambassador
Even before Massachusetts sports fans could legally place bets online or in person, Garnett was already an established face of the BetMGM’s advertising efforts. He first appeared in a well-received video ad at the end of 2021 as part of the operator’s “King of Sportsbooks” campaign.
At the time, entertainer Jamie Foxx was the lead national spokesperson. Garnett appeared alongside Foxx and other celebrities and famous athletes in an ad that began running in September 2022. He was then the centerpiece of a video piece, “Positivity,” that began appearing in January.
Jamie Foxx health issues
With Foxx sidelined over the past several months due to serious health issues, Garnett is now the most prominent face of BetMGM’s marketing efforts nationwide. The BetMGM Massachusetts website features him in its latest promo, a first bet offer. He’s also featured prominently in the BetMGM iOS and Android apps.
In addition to a number of commercials, Garnett has also appeared in other types of BetMGM marketing campaigns including social media promos and fan events. He also co-founded The Gaming Society, an online betting education platform.
From NBA superstar to sports betting icon
With his No. 5 jersey hanging in the TD Garden rafters, Celtics fans will always have a reminder of Garnett’s greatness at the forefront of their minds.
The power forward etched his name in Boston sports lore with a six-year Celtics career that saw him lead the team to the 2008 NBA championship. Garnett also won Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player to win the honor in the franchise’s history.
As a member of the big three that included Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, Garnett was part of the cornerstone of a run of successful seasons for the Celtics.
Garnett signed with BetMGM as a brand ambassador in 2021, the same year that the Celtics announced that the team would retire his jersey. It was perfect timing for the gaming operator.
BetMGM in Massachusetts
Massachusetts online sportsbooks took in $323.5 million in total bets in June for $32 million in total revenue.
Currently, BetMGM has a 7.7% market share in the state behind DraftKings (49.3%) and FanDuel (29.7%).
The sportsbook operator will be hoping to cash in on Garnett’s Massachusetts appeal in the coming months.
