Devils, 76ers Become First To Cash In On Online Poker

The Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils have become the first major U.S.-based professional sports teams to align themselves with online gambling. Both clubs will today formally announce multiyear marketing agreements with partypoker and parent company, Bwin. Bloomberg reports the deal is worth at least $10 million.

Bwin, which has deals throughout Europe, breaks in to the U.S. just as U.S. gaming operators are going online. New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware began offering online casino-style wagering last year.

The move indicates another step forward in a trend to open up the category, as leagues adapt their policy to changing times. While Bloomberg writes that the NFL and MLS prohibit teams from accepting online gaming sponsors, MLB considers such deals on a case-by-case basis.