Sponsorship is big business in the Indian Premier League, as demonstrated by the IPL breaking past the Rs 1,000 crore (approx. $121 million) mark of sponsor income in the 2022 season. Casino agreements with IPL teams have been on the back burner recently. Part of the reason is that sports gambling is illegal in India. Another factor is that the International Cricket Council (ICC) previously restricted IPL sponsorship by gambling companies.
Those ICC restrictions are now lifted, opening the door for the following casino New Zealand groups to sponsor an IPL team.
Zodiac Casino
Zodiac offers an interesting range of options for those who enjoy gambling. This review confirms that with Zodiac casino bonuses for cricket fans you will get 80 chances to win $1 million for a $1 deposit. Free spins or a prize wheel are far from the only thing the casino has to offer, though, as it has over 500 games to play.
These include progressive slot games, such as Mega Vault Millionaire, that can have jackpots in the $10 million range. Traditional games are also on the docket, with blackjack and card games being available for entertainment. The deposit-matching scheme (a deposit match of up to $150 on your first five deposits) offers an extra incentive to sign up and stick with this potential cricket casino.
Ruby Fortune
Indian cricket teams may benefit from the sponsorship of Ruby Fortune, which offers over 550 games and a deposit matching scheme to New Zealand players. That scheme matches deposits up to $250, though it only applies to your first three deposits and carries a minimum deposit limit of $10.
Games include online pokies (including three and five-reel varieties), plus the Mega Moolah game that offers a minimum $1 million jackpot. Table games are also available, with blackjack, roulette, and baccarat available for those who enjoy a more refined experience. You can even play against a live dealer, making Ruby Fortune an online gaming establishment that mirrors real-life casinos closely.
Lucky Nugget
Since its 1998 formation, Lucky Nugget has become a top name in the online gaming community. It has eCOGRA certification, signifying that it offers a safe environment for users. And with its deposit matching welcome bonus (up to 150% match on $200 deposits), it gives attractive incentives to new players.
You’ll find pokies-a-plenty in the casino, with games like “Break the Bank” and “Couch Potato.” Video poker is also on offer for those who enjoy card games, as are table classics like baccarat and blackjack. Though not advertised directly on the casino’s website, Lucky Nugget can be a $1 deposit casino, too. Many offers online grant free spins on their pokies in return for a dollar.
7Bit Casino
The challenge facing 7Bit casino in its quest to align with IPL teams is more severe than that facing other casinos. The reason being the casino focuses on cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin. The IPL takes a harsh stance on crypto, as its ban on crypto ads in the 2023 women’s IPL season shows.
Slots are 7Bit’s main offerings. Games like “Flaming Chillies” and “Elvis Frog” allow users to win crypto to add to their wallets. Bonus wagering is also on offer, allowing users to sample some games with bonus spins before they put down their own crypto to play.
Katsubet
Advertising itself as the “best New Zealand casino,” Katsubet tries to live up to that name with tweaks to regular slot-based games. Users get a welcome package of $6,000 (plus 200 free spins), which they spend on games like “Master of Gold.” But the unique twists it offers make this casino so attractive.
One of those twists comes from the “Slot Combat Tournament,” which pits players against each other for cash prizes. Katsubet also incorporates gamification into its offering. Users get achievements for everything from confirming their details to making deposits.
However, one thing stands in Katsubet’s way for IPL sponsorship – Bitcoin. The site allows people to play and make deposits using Bitcoin. Given the previously-mentioned IPL bans on crypto advertising, this fact excludes Katsubet from sponsoring teams.
What Are the Benefits of Online Casino Sponsorship?
| Advantages of the IPL | Advantages of Online Casinos |
| Gambling deals bring an influx of cash into the IPL, allowing teams to retain good cricketers and attract more quality players. | Exposure to huge audiences – the first game of the 2023 IPL season attracted over 140 million people on the Star Sports Network alone. |
| Further branding and exposure can come from these arrangements. For instance, a casino places ads or marketing materials on its site for players to see. | Just as IPL teams gain brand exposure, casinos can also get themselves in front of people who do not know they exist. |
| A casino sponsorship opens doors for other agreements, especially with the casino’s business partners. | The casino benefits from goodwill by association. Fans of a beloved IPL team are more likely to explore a sponsor because it’s associated with their favorite team. |
| Relaxation of restrictions in gambling partnerships leads to relaxation elsewhere. The IPL may loosen its guidelines on crypto sponsors, for example, if online gaming sponsorship works out. | The IPL isn’t restricted to India. Its reach penetrates other cricket-loving countries, such as New Zealand and Britain. Again, increased exposure to a global audience is a plus. |
The Future of Cricket and Casino Relationships
Sponsorship by online casinos has already penetrated cricket, as seen by Betway being the sponsor of South Africa in the T20 cricket league. But India is a different proposition. Though the ICC lifted its restrictions on casinos sponsoring teams, the national sentiment toward casinos impacts team decisions.
Simply put – sports gambling is still illegal in India, even if IPL teams can attract casino sponsors. The gaming industry in New Zealand has to overcome this hurdle before moving forward. If it can, the sheer exposure on offer (tens of millions of viewers) makes the IPL an attractive option for online casinos.
FAQ About IPL Casino Sponsorships
Are IPL casino sponsorships legal in India?
Even though most forms of gambling (including online gambling) are illegal in India, we’ll likely see casino sponsorships in the coming IPL season. The ICC’s decision to lift its ban on clubs striking deals with casinos means that the gaming industry will become more prevalent in India.
What are the benefits for IPL teams?
An influx of cash is the major benefit of casinos sponsoring IPL teams, with operators able to offer substantial amounts of money to teams. The side benefit is that teams in the IPL may be able to afford better players, increasing the quality of cricket played in the league.
How do IPL casino sponsorships impact the image of the league?
This is a contentious question, as there’ll likely be mixed responses. Sports gambling is illegal in India. Some believe that accepting casino sponsor opportunities could damage the integrity of the game. Others, likely clubs and players, welcome casinos because the money they offer proves to be the best way to bring better players to IPL.