Posted on: November 2, 2023, 01:59h.
Last updated on: November 2, 2023, 04:28h.
The San Francisco 49ers have announced their inaugural partnership with Foliatti Casino, making them the team’s first “Official Casino Partner” in Mexico. This move is part of the NFL’s ongoing international expansion efforts.
The 49ers have entered a multiyear partnership with Foliatti Casino, a well-known casino brand based in Mexico. Foliatti Casino operates three physical casinos and an online gaming platform in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and the State of Mexico. The company is owned by Grupo CECOM.
As part of this partnership, Foliatti Casino will be the presenting sponsor of the 49ers’ free-to-play “Lucky Six” game on the team’s Spanish website, 49ers.com/esp. Fans can participate in this weekly contest for a chance to win official team merchandise. Additionally, winners of the “Lucky Six” game will now have the opportunity to win gaming credits redeemable at Foliatti Casino’s physical locations or online platform.
Ryan Connors, the 49ers’ senior director of partnerships, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Foliatti Casino, stating, “Our collaboration with Foliatti Casino represents an exciting milestone as the first partnership of its kind. We’re thrilled to be pioneering this path with an authentic Mexican brand and grateful that it will enable us to engage with new communities in Mexico and provide unique experiences for 49ers Faithful across the country.”
In addition to sponsoring the “Lucky Six” promotion, Foliatti Casino will also be the presenting sponsor of the 49ers’ Official Watch Party events in Mexico.
Casino Partners
This collaboration between the San Francisco 49ers and Foliatti Casino marks the team’s first gaming partnership in Mexico. The 49ers already have partnerships with various California tribes for their US-based casino sponsorships.
In 2019, the 49ers entered into a marketing agreement with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and their Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California. The Cache Creek Club, located within Levi’s Stadium, offers exclusive benefits for ticketholders of north-end zone field seats.
The 49ers also have a marketing deal in place with the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians and their Black Oak Casino Resort. The Black Oak Casino Resort Club within Levi’s Stadium provides a private gathering space for various events.
Both tribal casino partnerships allow Cache Creek and Black Oak casinos to advertise within the stadium and in materials such as gameday programs.
Due to the current legality of sports betting in California, the 49ers do not have any sportsbook partnerships, unlike some NFL teams in states where sports betting is legal.
International Focus
While the NFL is extremely popular in the US, the league is actively seeking to expand its international following. Although American football has gained popularity in Mexico, it still trails behind traditional fútbol (soccer) in terms of overall interest.
By targeting Mexico, the San Francisco 49ers aim to increase their global popularity. The team previously played a “Monday Night Football” game in Mexico against the Arizona Cardinals, another NFL team with a significant presence in Mexico.
Azteca Stadium in Mexico City hosted the 49ers-Cardinals game, which resulted in a dominant 34-13 victory for the Cardinals.
Earlier this year, the NFL launched the “Global Markets Program” to further develop international markets. This initiative allows teams to apply for rights to selected international markets, with each club being granted five-year rights for their respective markets upon approval from the NFL International Committee.
Mexico has been designated as a target market for the San Francisco 49ers. Other NFL teams approved to directly target Mexico include the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers.