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Professional athletes and iGaming seem like a match made in heaven. Going to casinos no longer has quite the same Rat Pack-era attraction that it used to. Nowadays, it’s the digital world that attracts all the buzz and iGaming is becoming a major part of that. Athletes are also known for being competitive and loving the adrenaline rush that comes with taking a big chance in the hopes of winning, something that casino games and sports betting can deliver.

With online casinos and digital sportsbooks becoming accessible to increasing numbers of Americans as new gambling laws are passed in each state, making endorsement deals with sports teams and professional athletes is a great way for a brand to stand out and attract attention.

Brands that partner with celebrities who are very much in the spotlight tend to have higher trust ratings on review sites like Time2play. This is because they know a massive celebrity deal comes with a lot of attention and scrutiny, some of which will be very critical. Before they make that commitment they must have all of their ducks in a row with regards to licenses, security, and customer support.

Here are three sports stars that are endorsed by the iGaming industry:

Conor McGregor

UFC fighter and boxer Conor McGregor has almost as big of a reputation outside of the ring as he does inside of it. He is the first UFC fighter ever to hold the Championship titles for two different weight classes at the same time, as he was featherweight and lightweight champion in 2016. He favors a southpaw stance and is most dangerous as a striker.

Outside of the ring, he is known for his outspoken personality and flamboyant personal style. He is also no stranger to confrontations with law enforcement and match officials. All of this makes him quite fun to watch and ensures that even people who don’t follow UFC know who he is.

In the world of iGaming, McGregor is a brand ambassador for the international online sportsbook Parimatch. He is an obvious choice for an endorsement because he has a long history of successful brand deals, and he is a recognizable and engaging figure.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most famous retired NBA players. Known simply as Shaq, he was one of the most dominant players in the game throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His best years were spent playing for the Orlando Magic, the LA Lakers and the Miami Heat. He’s a 4x NBA champion, an MVP, a 15x All Star — his list of awards, honors and achievements is too long to list here.

O’Neal is also a well-known figure off the court. He has starred in several movies and television shows, even hosting his own reality tv show. He has also released five studio albums and performed as a DJ. He has a big personality that made him a favorite with fans during his playing career and after.

WynnBet is one of the biggest gambling brands in the world and they secured O’Neal as a spokesperson in 2021. O’Neal brings even more than his personality and charm to the deal. He is the trademark holder for Shaqpot, possibly the best pun in iGaming, and it will soon be a feature on the WynnBet app. Since WynnBet is less well known than some of its competitors, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, a partnership with a high-profile star like Shaquille O’Neal is a very smart move.

Lionel Messi

Some athletes are only famous in their home country or the country that they play in. Others, such as Lionel Messi, are famous across the entire globe. Messi is one of the greatest soccer players currently playing and is considered by many to be one of the all-time greats. He currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, but he spent most of his career at Barcelona.

The Argentinian player holds several records for goal scoring and has won the Ballon d’Or a record number of seven times. In his appearances for his country’s national team, Messi has become the all-time record goal scorer.

The Hard Rock brand has established itself as one of the leading online casino and sports betting brands thanks to its rocker aesthetic. They have recently signed a multi-year deal with Messi to serve as a brand ambassador. Securing the international icon is the perfect way to increase the brand’s appeal with audiences who are not yet familiar with it.