(670 The Score) The Bears have agreed to a multi-year exclusive partnership with BetRivers and Rivers Casino, the team announced Tuesday morning.
The deal is noteworthy for more than just BetRivers becoming the Bears' official sportsbook partner. BetRivers and Rivers Casino are jointly owned by Rush Street Interactive and Churchill Downs Inc. It’s the latter of those two that owns Arlington Park, which is up for sale. The Bears have placed a bid to purchase the 326-acre Arlington Park, which would open the door for the team leaving Soldier Field for the northwest suburb of Arlington Heights.
“We are incredibly excited to announce BetRivers and Rivers Casino as our first multi-year exclusive partner in the Sportsbook and Casino categories," Bears president Ted Phillips said in a statement. "We look forward to connecting with our fans in fun and unique ways through these avenues and couldn’t be prouder to be building this relationship with a hometown company.”
As part of the partnership, BetRivers and Rivers Casino will have in-stadium signage as well as digital and social assets. BetRivers.com users will have access to promotions with exclusive Bears prizes and experiences.
Churchill Downs hasn't revealed exactly how many bids it received for Arlington Park, only saying it has garnered "strong proposals from numerous parties."