Recently, the sports industry has experienced a backlash against its gambling advertisements. While ads and live odds have been banned from games, sponsorships by gaming operators are still allowed. Crown Resorts has taken advantage of the opportunity and renewed its sponsorship with the Melbourne Storm. As part of the sponsorship deal, Crown Resorts will be featured on the jersey for the Melbourne Storm during the 2014 season.

This is the fourth year that the two companies will be working together. Usually, in sports partnerships, one party benefits more than the other – but this deal benefits both. While Crown Resorts receives exposure in the NRL league, Melbourne Storm are able to boost their membership thanks to the casino operator’s vast presence across the country.

Last year, the Melbourne Storm saws it membership grow by more than 19% and saw its attendance at games increase by 28%. Currently, there are just over 11 000 members and the team is confident that the number will grow to 17 000 by the end of the year.

“Crown Resorts are extremely proud to continue our relationship and support of Melbourne Storm who, like Crown Melbourne, are an iconic Melbourne brand,” says James Packer, Chairman of Crown Resorts. “The Storm is one of the league's champion teams and we are very happy to be continuing our partnership with them.”

Casino operators and sport teams seem like natural partners, since sportsbetting is such a popular activity in Australia. Crown Resorts and Melbourne Storm are certainly capitalising on the association, and both parties will benefit from working together in the sports industry.

“Melbourne Storm is delighted to see the club’s partnership with Crown Resorts enter into its fourth year,” says Bart Campbell, Chairman of Melbourne Storm; it is a strong relationship and they continue to provide great support and play an important role in our club”.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.