This content was produced in partnership with Bonuses.

From jersey sponsorship to tournament banner space, online casinos are betting increasingly on sports sponsorships. Read an insider's take on how these sponsorship deals are revolutionizing local sports and what it portends for sports enthusiasts in Brewer, ME.

If you have ever been to a local sporting event in Brewer, ME, then you might have noticed more than just players rushing on the field. Brands of sportsbook websites are cropping up on jerseys, scoreboards and even live streams of local tournaments. The connection between sport and online betting has never been more intimate, with operators seeing sponsorships as a way to get in front of new fans while sports organizations see much-needed injections of cash. As the marketplace for online gaming grows, Brewer sports enthusiasts are experiencing firsthand how these partnerships are reshaping the experience of viewing and supporting our local teams.

The rise of online casino sponsorships

Over the past decade, the gambling industry has seen a tremendous shift from land casinos to online casinos. To be noticed and gain credibility, they have taken inspiration from sports sponsorships as an effective tool for marketing. Whether it is local school games from Brewer or professional sports leagues, online casino brands are making their names heard in the spotlight.

Sports sponsorships are a win-win scenario. Tournaments and teams are also given financial support, which often covers equipment, transportation and facility charges, whereas casinos get publicity and loyalty. This is particularly effective in markets like Maine where there are massive sports fans and events in the region tend to have a tight-knit, loyal fan base. In Brewer, for example, you can expect local hockey or baseball teams to wear online casino banners on their jerseys when they are playing, so that one cannot help but notice how omnipresent gambling has become in sports.

Marketing strategies behind the sponsorships

Why would online casinos sponsor sport so intensely? It is all about exposure and credibility. With sponsorship behind sporting teams and events, these operators can establish a reputable brand while targeting an extremely enthusiastic audience. Fans of sport are passionate, emotionally attached and inclined to enjoy the thrill of wagering, making them the perfect target for online gambling portals.

The promotion is tiered. Beyond logos on apparel, brands interact with viewers through social media, email offers and mobile apps that run promotions directly related to sporting events on a regular basis. A viewer who is watching a Brewer local hockey game, for example, might see bonus bet or free-spin offers for an associated $1 minimum deposit casino, translating their sports enthusiasm into a simple gaming session.

Some websites even construct interactive content based on local sporting events, from prediction games to trivia challenges, so that the fans remain engaged and attached to the brand long after the last whistle. These actions demonstrate how far internet casinos will stretch to remain in the face and in the driving seat in the world of sports.

Sponsoring players and teams

One of the more personal methods in which online casinos make their mark is through sponsorship of players or teams. In Brewer, local players have begun wearing jerseys with online casino logos. No longer is it only the major leagues; hockey leagues and baseball leagues are beginning to make money in terms of pairing sponsors with their players in manners they never did before.

For players, this means better kit, travel support and even infrequent individual rewards on the basis of performance. But it also comes with concerns of gambling exposure to youthful supporters. While opponents propose that gambling could get too ordinary, supporters think that accountable marketing morals and age restrictions can soften conceivable harms.

Tournaments get a lift

Online casino operators are heavily placing bets on tournaments, from amateur leagues to professional competitions. Their sponsorship can extend beyond mere branding, with prize money, special bonuses and even free online entry for supporters.

These sponsorships improve events to make them more attractive and affordable. Tournament organizers can improve amenities, increase the quality of transmissions and even incorporate fan activities like meet-and-greets or interactive gaming wagers, which bring new concepts to classic sports. The fans at these events typically get to see a more sophisticated and compelling environment, which keeps local communities invested in their teams.

Local impacts and community reaction

In Brewer, the reaction to sponsorships from online casinos has been mixed but overall favorable. Local sports organizations appreciate the additional revenue, which could be the difference between hosting a tournament and not hosting it. Fans welcome the enhanced experience, from better seating to more game-day diversion.

However, the community members have expressed concerns regarding the normalcy of gambling, especially in games that are being viewed by families and the youth. Responsible gambling conversations become more imperative by the minute as community leaders look for ways to educate players and viewers alike on responsible betting. Schools and sporting clubs are starting to implement awareness campaigns focusing on the dangers while encouraging moderation.

Looking ahead

While online gaming grows in popularity, the link between sports and casinos is hardly fading. Brewer, ME is just one example of towns reaping the benefits and drawbacks of the trend. While sponsorship from online casino providers can beef up the quality and reach of local sports, it also requires restrained judgment when it comes to moral boundaries and sound promotion.

If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

More From 92.9 The Ticket