LPGA Names BetMGM as 1st Official Sports Betting Operator

One of golf’s major tours has finally jumped into the sports betting landscape.

The LPGA Tour announced Wednesday a multi-year agreement with BetMGM to become an official sports betting operator and partner.

BetMGM will feature LPGA odds in BetMGM’s golf menu, alongside the PGA and European tours, according to a news release. It will also have rights to use the official logo of the LPGA in connection with the advertising and promotion of sports betting products and services.

Golf betting has grown in popularity, especially on PGA Tour events. BetMGM sportsbook and the PGA announced a multi-year deal for betting content and marketing last August.

“As a leading sports and entertainment company and already a supporter of women’s golf, BetMGM is uniquely positioned to join the LPGA family as an Official Betting Operator,” Brian Carroll, senior vice president of global media distribution for the LPGA, said in the release. “Sports betting and digital gaming are key elements of the future of sports, and BetMGM is on the forefront of both opportunities. We are happy to partner with them as we look to provide more opportunities for our fans to interact with the LPGA and learn about our incredible athletes.”

Partnership A Natural Fit

The BetMGM relationship was a natural fit and coincides with its partnership with MGM Resorts, who already has sponsor deals with several LPGA golfers including Natalie Gulbis, Danielle Kang, Cristie Kerr (who received a special exemption on Tuesday into this year’s U.S. Women’s Open), Alison Lee, Anna Nordqvist and Michelle Wie West.

Last October, three of those golfers -- Gulbis, Nordqvist and Kerr -- promoted BetMGM during the ShopRite LPGA Classic in New Jersey. It was held on a course 13.8 miles from Atlantic City.

This year, MGM Resorts partnered with the LPGA for the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play tournament at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, to be held May 26-30. This will be the LPGA Tour’s first match-play event since 2017.

“We look forward to working with the LPGA and engaging with its fanbase through our market-leading products,” Matt Prevost, BetMGM chief revenue officer, said in the release. “BetMGM’s advanced betting technology provides a user-friendly experience for LPGA fans and a myriad of betting options to choose from.”

After an off week, the LPGA returns to action at the Pure Silk Championship at the Kingsmill Resorts’ River Course in Williamsburg, Virginia, on May 20-23.