University of Maryland becomes first Big Ten school to partner with a sportsbook

The University of Maryland has become the first Big Ten school to partner with a sportsbook after signing a multi-year deal with PointsBet, according to an announcement on Wednesday. 

The deal is worth seven figures, as reported by ESPN’s David Purdham, and it will allow for PointsBet signage to be shown in and around the university’s XFINITY Center and Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. PoinstBet will also be featured across Maryland’s digital channels and sports radio broadcasts, according to Sports Business Journal.

The deal also includes a philanthropic component yet to be announced and will provide education on responsible gambling for university staff, students and fans.

After an arduous battle among state leaders to legalize sports betting in Maryland, the state’s market is expected to finally open at casinos this week. That includes gambling on in-state colleges and universities. 

University of Maryland joins University of Colorado as PointsBet partners. Other schools with sports betting partnerships include LSU, UNLV and University of Denver.