(CORRECTS HOCKEY BETTING STATISTICS IN LAST GRAF)
The Chicago Blackhawks announced Tuesday they have reached a multi-year agreement to have Circa Sports as their home jersey patch partner starting in the 2024-25 season.
It is the first time the Blackhawks, an “Original Six” franchise of the launched mobile and retail betting last September. Circa serves as the sportsbook of Full House Resorts, which operates American Place casino in Waukegan — approximately 40 miles north of Chicago.
“Growing up as a hockey fan, I’m overwhelmed with the opportunity, and the responsibility, that goes along with partnering with an Original Six team and a team with the most iconic home jersey in sports,” Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens said in a t statement with the team. “We are ecstatic to showcase the new Blackhawks jersey with such a young and exciting team.”
“Sports betting has continued to grow in popularity among our fans and offered new ways for them to engage with our game,” added Blackhawks President of Business Operations Jaime Faulkner. “We couldn’t be prouder to be adding Circa Sports to the Chicago Blackhawks roster of partners as they share in our goals to grow interest in our game and offer fans exciting and original experiences.”
The Blackhawks have the No. 2 overall pick in Friday’s NHL Draft in Las Vegas and are looking to find a potential franchise player to partner with 2023 No. 1 overall selection Connor Bedard. The 18-year-old Bedard is a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist after totaling 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games as a rookie.
Circa Continues Outreach to Chicago Fans 6p4q12
Chicago, meet @Circasports.
Our first-ever jersey patch partner for home games. pic.twitter.com/D7O0yFt5U2
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 25, 2024
The Las Vegas-based sportsbook previously signed a entered a partnership with Marquee Sports Network — the flagship TV station of the Cubs — in February. The Circa Sports patch on the Blackhawks sweater will debut during Friday’s draft, and Circa will partner with the team for its schedule release for the season.
Even with the Blackhawks rebuilding last season and finishing with 52 points — their lowest total in a non-strike season in the modern era — wagering on hockey was popular in Illinois thanks in part to Bedard. Handle for the sport totaled $253.3 million spanning April.
Circa Sports accepted $4.8 million worth of mobile handle in that span but paid out $64,400 above that while posting a -1.4% hold. The average hockey wager placed was worth nearly $258.
