NHL’s Devils and NBA’s 76ers Become First US Professional Sports Teams to Partner with Gambling Company

National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Philadelphia 76ers and National Hockey League (NHL) franchise New Jersey Devils have revealed that they have partnered with the bwin’s online gambling company, Partypoker.

The multi-year sponsorship agreement makes them the first US professional sports teams to enter into commercial deals with an online gambling company.

The terms of the agreement will see ads on the dasher boards of Devils games and on courtside signs at 76ers games.

NBA Vice President Mark Tatum said: “As long as the gambling site doesn’t include sports gambling or sports betting, it’s now allowed within our rules.”

The deal comes following the authorisation of online gambling in New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware, in a bid to boost Atlantic City’s suffering casino industry.

76ers and Devils Chief Executive Scott O’Neil (pictured) said: “We are proud to welcome Partypoker to our family as we embark on an exciting journey with an innovative, global leader in the digital marketplace…As an organisation, we will continue to align with brands that aspire to grow with us, in true partnership.”