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Detroit Tigers become first MLB team to partner with online betting company

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DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Detroit Tigers have become the first MLB team to partner with a gambling company ahead of the 2020 MLB season.

The team announced Thursday it has partnered with PointsBet to enhance fan engagement with unique experiences, content, promotions and more inside Comerica Park. it comes after the state legalized sports betting last year.

“We are thrilled to welcome PointsBet as a gaming partner of the Detroit Tigers," said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “Our incredible fans will love the unique experiences and innovative offerings that PointsBet’s personalized platform provides. We look forward to the fan-friendly enhancements this will bring to the game-day experience in and around Comerica Park for years to come.”

“The PointsBet team is excited to announce our groundbreaking deal with the Detroit Tigers and Major League Baseball, becoming the first legal sports betting operator in U.S. history to partner with an MLB franchise,” noted Johnny Aitken, CEO of PointsBet USA. “PointsBet operates in rare space within the industry by owning our technology environment from end to end, which allows us to be extremely nimble on product innovation and personalized offerings to complement our app's market-leading speed. We offer the most betting options in the world on MLB games via our unique PointsBetting product, and we are excited to inject a unique and robust betting proposition into the great state of Michigan.”

PointsBet will have branding throughout Comerica Park and be featured on the Detroit Tigers Radio Network.

The company was originally founded in Australia but made its U.S. debut in January 2019 and features an app for online betting.