ArenaPlus, a Philippines-licensed online sportsbook, has announced a “multiyear collaboration” to become the National Basketball Association’s (NBA’s) “first official betting partner in the Philippines”.
That is according to a statement from the betting brand, part of Philippines-listed DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
It comes soon after ArenaPlus said it had launched a localised tournament bracket game based on the NBA competition. The DigiPlus group had mentioned a PHP1-billion (US$-16.6-million) “Prediction Giveaway” initiative, via ArenaPlus, as a “free-to-play initiative”, enabling fans to engage in the bracket tournament “without any monetary commitment”.
The sportsbook brand said in its Friday statement on the freshly-announced collaboration with the NBA: “ArenaPlus will integrate NBA marks across its online gaming platforms, execute local activations, and be featured across the NBA’s localised social and digital platforms in the Philippines.”
The brand also said ArenaPlus and the NBA would “promote responsible gambling and best-in-class practices to protect the integrity of NBA games.”
Kuljeet Sindhar, NBA head of international gaming and data distribution, was cited saying: “We look forward to working together to deliver an authentic gaming experience that responsibly channels the passion of Filipino fans and deepens their connection to the league.”
Erick Su, head of ArenaPlus, was quoted saying: “The NBA represents the highest standard in global sports, and its connection with Filipino fans is unmatched.
“Through our collaboration, we aim to elevate how fans experience basketball – bringing them closer to the action in ways that are more immersive and engaging and built around how they follow the game today.”
The sportsbook additionally mentioned it planned to further engage fans in the Philippines through NBA-themed free-to-play games and promotions that would offer participants the opportunity to win special prizes.
ArenaPlus further stated the deal with NBA marked “a significant milestone” for the company, strengthening its position “as a leader in the country’s evolving sports entertainment landscape.”
The update noted that the NBA had wide international reach, with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories and had “created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms”.
