competing on the 2022 Bass Pro Tour , the partnership includes Bally ’ s online sportsbook , Bally Bet , becoming the title sponsor of the coveted Angler of the Year award for the Bass Pro Tour .
That award – which will be acknowledged with Bally Bet Angler of the Year patches on the right shoulder of participating Bass Pro Tour angler jerseys – comes with a cash payout of $ 100,000 , the highest AOY payout in professional bass fishing .
“ The guy who wins the AOY has had a great season , and the Bally Bet AOY is an excellent way to recognize what a major accomplishment that is ,” VanDam said . “ You have to have a special year to win an Angler of the Year . I ’ m a fan of the sport first , and to watch an angler get in that zone is really fun . I ’ ve won several ( AOYs ), and I know how it feels to get in that zone , but it ’ s been really intriguing to me as a fan over the years to watch guys have those years . Bally ’ s stepping up like they have is a big deal for our sport .”
MLF / Bally ’ s deal is a game-changer in the bass world
MLF ’ s new arrangement with Bally ’ s represents the sports betting titan ’ s fifth such agreement with a professional sports league , following previously announced agreements between Bally ’ s and the National Hockey League , the National Basketball Association , the Women ’ s National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball .
The relationship further reinforces MLF ’ s commitment to develop and connect with a broader fan base that includes followers of other major sports .
“ Our partnership with Bally ’ s will offer our loyal fans and anglers another unique avenue to engage with professional fishing and the Bass Pro Tour ,” said
“ Phoenix Fantasy Fishing presented by Abu Garcia is now operational for both the MLF Bass Pro Tour and the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit .”
MLF President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Wilburn . “ This partnership marks an important moment for Major League Fishing in the growing U . S . gaming and sports betting sectors . Integrating Bally ’ s industry-best online sports betting and unique gaming offerings with MLF ’ s SCORETRACKER LIVE ® and fan-friendly platforms position us to drive viewership , participation and large-scale adoption among sports fans .”
Fantasy Fishing underway , powered by Bally ’ s
As part of the agreement , Bally ’ s technology now powers two new fantasy fishing games for the 2022 season . The Fenwick MLF Predictor Game , an engaging game that offers fans the chance to make predictions at Bass Pro Tour events for prizes , will be available for the entire 2022 season . Phoenix MLF Fantasy Fishing presented by Abu Garcia is now operational for both the MLF Bass Pro Tour and the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit . The free-to-play game allows fans to select their team of anglers for each tournament , create private leagues with their family and friends and win tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes .
“ We know how passionate the millions of recreational anglers are about the professional ranks of their sport ,” said Adi Dhandhania , Chief Operating Officer of North America for Bally Interactive , the company ’ s digital division . “ This integrated partnership is a perfect showcase for Bally ’ s , allowing us to leverage our sports betting , daily fantasy sports , and free-toplay games to enhance the fishing fan experience across MLF media and live events .”
You can log on to the MLF Fantasy Fishing Center at MajorLeagueFishing . com .
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