The NFL struck a deal with Betcris, an online bookmaker based in Costa Rica. The company became the official NFL betting partner in Latin America in the league’s second international betting arrangement, joining Australia’s TAB.
Betcris will have the right to use the NFL brands and logos and access the league’s official data feed, according to an official statement. The bookmaker will also be one of the official sponsors of the International Series Games in Mexico in 2021.
“As our fan base continues to grow in Latin America, it is important that we partner with an industry leader in the region,” said Christopher Halpin, NFL executive vice president and director of strategy and growth.
Halpin continued: “Betcris’ capacity in this important region and commitment to the highest standards made it clear that it was the right partner for the NFL. We look forward to working together to attract new and existing fans in this market.”
Betcris CEO JD Duarte also commented on the company’s new agreement. “We are very excited to become the NFL’s first official sports betting partner in Latin America and look forward to further improving our users’ experience.”
Duarte added: “Betcris now enjoys a great competitive advantage that meets our long-term goals well. The NFL has proven to be an ideal partner in this whole process and we look forward to working together”.
In July, the Major League Baseball also partnered with Betcris, and Duarte said at the time that his company intended to enter the US regulated sports betting market.
NFL aims to expand its international fan base
“For Latin America, we felt that they were a solid partner who understood our brand in this market and made real progress in the way they involve fans,” commented the NFL executive vice president.
After years of hesitation, the league is entering the sports betting segment and plans to close with more international partners.
In 2018, the United States Supreme Court overthrew the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, the federal statute that restricted sports betting, particularly in Nevada.
Since the decision, sports betting has been opened in 18 states and the District of Columbia, with more jurisdictions prepared to launch betting markets in the coming months.
“We feel good, in general, with the way states have legalized [sports betting] and the measures that have been taken,” concluded Halpin.
