Posted on: November 2, 2023, 01:59h.
Last updated on: November 2, 2023, 04:28h.
The San Francisco 49ers have secured their maiden “Official Casino Partner” in Mexico as the NFL expands its global outreach.
The 49ers have unveiled a long-term partnership with Foliatti Casino, a prominent casino brand in Mexico. Foliatti operates three casinos in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and the State of Mexico, as well as an online gaming platform, and is owned by Grupo CECOM.
As part of the collaboration, Foliatti Casino will become the presenting sponsor of the team’s “Lucky Six” game on the 49ers’ Spanish website, 49ers.com/esp. Fans can participate in the weekly contest for a chance to win official team merchandise, and now, thanks to the Foliatti marketing deal, gaming credits that can be used at the casinos or online, will also be up for grabs.
Ryan Connors, the 49ers’ Senior Director of Partnerships, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, 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 the “Lucky Six” promotion, Foliatti Casino will also serve as the presenting sponsor for the 49ers’ Official Watch Party events in Mexico.
Casino Partners
The San Francisco 49ers’ partnership with Foliatti Casino marks their first foray into gaming agreements in Mexico. The team already has casino partnerships with California tribes within the United States.
In 2019, the 49ers formed a marketing pact with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and their Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California. The Cache Creek Club inside Levi’s Stadium, the 49ers’ home venue, offers exclusive benefits to ticketholders of certain seating sections.
The 49ers also have a marketing agreement with the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians and their Black Oak Casino Resort. The Black Oak Casino Resort Club inside Levi’s Stadium serves as a private gathering space for special events.
Both tribal casino partnerships allow the Cache Creek and Black Oak casinos to advertise throughout the stadium, including in gameday programs, despite sports betting still being illegal in California.
Unlike many other NFL teams in states with legal sports betting, the 49ers do not currently have any sportsbook partnerships due to California’s restrictions.
International Focus
While the NFL is immensely popular in the United States, the league is seeking to expand its global presence. Although American football is gaining popularity in Mexico, it still trails traditional fútbol (soccer) in terms of overall interest.
The 49ers have set their sights on Mexico to enhance their international reputation. Last year, they played a “Monday Night Football” game against the Arizona Cardinals at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, further solidifying the Cardinals’ strong presence in Mexico.
The NFL has recently restructured its international development initiative with the “Global Markets Program.” This program grants teams five-year rights to pursue activities in selected international markets by submitting proposals to the NFL International Committee.
The 49ers, along with the Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers, have been approved to directly target the Mexican market.