Reds to introduce retail sportsbook at Great American Ball Park

Great American Ball Park is set to become the latest US major league sports venue to feature a retail sportsbook, under a partnership between MLB franchise the Cincinnati Reds and sports betting and iGaming operator, BetMGM.

The multi-year deal names BetMGM an official sports betting partner of the Reds, strengthening the company’s presence in Ohio ahead of the state’s scheduled launch of legalised sports betting on January 1.

The BetMGM Sportsbook will be in the space currently serving as the Machine Room restaurant on the northeast side of Great American Ball Park. It will only be accessible from outside the ticketed areas of the ballpark via the arena plaza level entrance. The new venue will allow fans to watch and wager on games all year long.

“This announcement marks the beginning of our plans to create the most entertaining and dynamic sports betting experiences in Ohio,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “Through our relationships with the Reds and MGM Northfield Park, we look forward to bringing unique BetMGM content to Ohio’s passionate sports fans.”

BetMGM signage will be prominently featured at Great American Ball Park, including a permanent outfield wall sign, messaging behind home plate, and a branded foul line during select games. BetMGM, which will have its own suite and club seats at the stadium, also plans to curate VIP experiences for its fans including on-field access during batting practice.

Doug Healy, Cincinnati Reds chief financial officer, said: “With sports gaming coming to Ohio, the Reds sought to bring the highest quality operator to our ballpark for those fans who choose to participate in sports gaming. BetMGM is renowned for their expertise in entertainment and sports gaming, and we believe their brand best fits our high customer standards and will also help draw visitors to our city.”

This marks BetMGM’s second sportsbook at an MLB venue, joining the BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park in Washington D.C., which opened in January as the first retail sportsbook connected to a Major League Baseball stadium.  

BetMGM and the Arizona Cardinals debuted the first sportsbook at a National Football League (NFL) stadium ahead of the team’s 2022 regular season opener last month.

In July, BetMGM extended its relationship with MLB as an official sports betting partner of the league.