When you think about a partnership between rugby and casinos, you may wonder what a field event that seems to be about muscle has to do with flashing lights and wheels spinning. But thanks to technology, the two can actually blend well and mutually benefit from one another. Plus, they are not totally parallel worlds because they intersect when it comes to thrill and entertainment.
Did you know that there are over 500 million rugby fans in the world and over 8 million players spread across 132 countries? On the other hand, casinos like Rooli Casino are spread all over, offering multiple gambling options, especially online. As more dedicated rugby fans have continued to show their passion by placing bets on various casinos, more gamblers inclined to bet on rugby have also been converted into fans.
This just shows that both industries are helping each other thrive. So, how exactly can rugby help casinos benefit more from this relationship to keep them going strong?
Increase casino revenue
As you may know, rugby is actually one of the most popular sports in the world, ranking at number 9 in 2023 based on the number of fans. It also has so many tournaments, both domestic and international, played in different regions globally. Major competitions, including the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations and more, pack stadiums and drive crazy traffic on online streaming platforms. In fact, the Rugby World Cup 2023 holds the record as the most-watched rugby event in history, with fans tuning in for a staggering 1.33 billion hours.
With millions of viewers glued to their screens, the number of bets tends to shoot up as fans wager on almost everything from match outcomes to player performances. Online casinos take advantage of that frenzy by offering competitive odds and special perks to attract more players to their platforms.
And let’s not forget live betting. Casinos with this feature are often at an advantage because fans enjoy the fun and the extra adrenaline of predicting what happens next as the match unfolds. The unpredictability of rugby really makes it an ideal sport for live betting. Who will score the next try? Will there be a yellow card in the next 7 minutes? The freedom to wager on such in-game events excites many, as it keeps them hooked throughout the game.
You can be sure casinos love that because it brings more people to their platform, which means more revenue. Plus, once you are on a platform, you might as well explore other games like poker or slots. In fact, some casinos even offer rugby-themed slots by including icons like rugby balls and goated players so as to capture the attention of rugby fans who might not usually play traditional casino games.
Boost brand visibility
Casinos seem to have understood the power of sports sponsorship in putting their name out there. As a matter of fact, we have seen several of them partnering with different rugby teams or leagues, which helps them reach the big and global rugby fan base. Since 50% of people are more likely to engage with brands they recognise, casinos invest in these sponsorships to ensure fans see them over and over until they appear familiar.
Imagine what seeing a particular casino displaying its logo or branded message on the pitchside advertisements repeatedly during different matches does to your recall. For how long do you think you can ignore them before they become something you recognise? These ads not only keep the casino’s name in the spotlight in the stadium but also in your memory, turning you into a potential player on their platform.
Also, it has become common for casino logos to appear on the jerseys of different rugby teams. This seemingly simple act helps establish these casinos as trusted partners in rugby, making fans feel as though they are emotionally connected to them. So even as you wear your team’s attire to attend a match, the casino’s logo becomes part of your matchday experience. As a result, you can easily find yourself visiting their site to check out the odds or even wager.
Increase player loyalty
Recent statistics show that companies that have built strong customer loyalty see their revenue grow about 2.5 times faster than others in the same industry. With this understanding, casinos are aiming for loyal players who keep coming back. And partnering with rugby could help with that because it is a sport with some of the most passionate and dedicated fans.
Actually, casino platforms create special reward programs tied to rugby events to create a direct link between them and the sport. Perks like match tickets or access to behind-the-scenes keep fans coming back because they feel closer to the sport they love, even as they play casino games. The personalisation in rewarding players based on their interests could, in fact, increase the casino’s revenue by 10-15%.
Some casinos even host rugby watch parties for big games to create a community for their players, who are also rugby fans. Because people naturally desire a sense of belonging, this move works like a charm in maintaining the current players and drawing new ones.
In the end, it seems that both rugby and casinos benefit from their partnership. As they continue to work together, casinos could unlock greater potential if they tap more into what rugby has to offer.
