The influence of star athletes, especially soccer stars, on various areas of culture is undeniable. The casino industry caught on fairly quickly, too, and allied itself with some of the top-notch players in the game, using celebrity endorsements to get ahead. Meanwhile, smaller gambling sites aim to attract players through appealing offers and deals. It’s not uncommon to find bonuses for as little as NZD$1, such as the ones suggested by Wagering Advisors team on their website where they feature other similar deals. Curating a strong brand presence is the key, as it generates user’s trust and loyalty.
This type of marketing is particularly effective and appeals to football fans around the globe. They are more than willing to purchase products and play on sites that support their soccer role models. Others would rather opt for operators that give them the best bang for their buck, through loyalty programs or bonuses, like those offered by Luxury Casino reviewed by the Wageringadvisors, which matches their first 5 deposits. Regardless of these differences in preferences, no one can disprove these star athletes’ impact on various areas, even outside the football field. Read on to find out how soccer stars use their influence and how much impact their ambassadorship has on a casino’s success.
Soccer Stars: Beyond the Football Field and Into the Gambling Industry
If you thought a player’s presence only made a difference in-game, think again. Soccer is one of the most popular and watched sports in the world. It is no wonder that their influence isn’t limited to scoring a goal. They are athletes, role models, country representatives, entertainers, charity benefactors, advocates, and more.
Gambling businesses have always been controversial. So, promoting those brands isn’t always the best PR strategy for soccer players. Luckily they participate in different projects that help them bond with their fans, and diversify their star portfolio.
- Social Media. By sharing glimpses of their personal lives, training routines, and collaboration. Soccer stars connect directly with fans, build their personal brand, and promote causes they care about.
- Charity Work. Many stars are involved in philanthropy and charity. They establish foundations or partner with existing organizations to support causes such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief. Their involvement in social issues helps raise awareness and gather funds for important causes.
- Coaching or Management. Retired players often move into coaching or management roles within the world of football. They may become coaches for youth teams, work as analysts, or take on administrative roles in football clubs or organizations.
Top Soccer Star Casino Ambassadors
When a casino wants to pull out all the stops in their bid for wagerers’ attention, there is no better way to achieve this than to partner up with a football star. Sometimes, the stars in question are in retirement, whose fame has endured the test of time. More often than not, the ambassadors are current players and instantly recognizable. Their vote of confidence is marketing unlike any other. Let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable soccer stars who made their mark as casino ambassadors:
Cristiano Ronaldo
A keen poker player himself, Ronaldo was a brand ambassador for a prominent poker site back in 2015. Considering that he was named the best FIFA player back in 2016, his endorsement has weight like few others do. Real Madrid’s star player first joined this social media casino campaign back in 2015, filming videos that racked up over 180 million organic views for the brand. His first video alone generated over NZD$7 million in Advertising Value Equivalent.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Besides being a valuable player at AC Milan, Ibrahimovic has also been an ambassador and co-owner of a sportsbook. His affiliation with the igaming company gave rise to certain legal disputes due to conflict of interests. In other words, this player isn’t just a casual fan of gambling – he also sees it as an entrepreneurial venture.
Sebastian Giovinco
Toronto FC’s top scorer Giovincco has recently signed an agreement with a well-established gambling brand. In this campaign, Giovinco will organize giveaways with signed soccer balls, and he will also host Instagram live videos for this brand. So, keep your eyes peeled because you might just win a unique prize with his autograph. This can have a high sentimental value or monetary value, depending on how you choose to look at it.
Conclusion
The casino landscape is an ever-expanding one, and the competition for visibility between casinos is fierce. Partnering with soccer clubs and soccer stars is an innovative, efficient way for a casino to reach new audiences and establish itself as a reputable enterprise, with a star player backing the platform. The result is a committed marriage of sports and the thrilling world of casino gaming.
