First Current MLB Player to Enter Into Sports Betting Deal is Rockies Outfielder Charlie Blackmon
Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon has become the first active Major League Baseball player to enter into a deal with an online sports betting firm.
MaximBet, based out of Castle Rock, Colorado, had not disclosed specific details of the partnership.
The four-time All-Star will make appearances as a brand ambassador in various marketing campaigns, promotions and social media content. Blackmon is prohibited from discussing betting on baseball per MLB policy.
Individual baseball players can partner with regulated sportsbooks in the US as part of a recent collective bargaining agreement.
"As I learned more about MaximBet, I knew this absolutely was the right brand for me," Blackmon said in a release announcing the partnership. "MaximBet has really attached itself to the local Colorado community, and I cannot wait to have some fun with MaximBet and surprising fans with incredible 'money can't buy' experiences all season."
In addition to operating in the state of Colorado, MaximBet plans to soon launch in Indiana and Iowa. The sportsbook is an offshoot of the lifestyle magazine Maxim.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com