Chickasaw Nation lands first-ever casino partnership with NFL team

Friday, September 7, 2018

The Dallas Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Drew Tarvin

The Chickasaw Nation has entered into a unique partnership with the Dallas Cowboys.

The tribe's WinStar World Casino and Resort in Oklahoma will serve as the official casino of the Texas-based Cowboys. The deal marks the first time a gaming facility has sponsored an NFL team.

“Hundreds of Chickasaws live in the Dallas area and the Dallas Cowboys are a vital part of the community,” Gov. Bill Anoatubby said on the team's website.

Team officials with the Dallas Cowboys today announced WinStar World Casino as the Official Casino of the NFL Club. The Cowboys – ranked as the World’s Most Valuable Sports Team by Forbes – is the first NFL team to announce an official casino designation. pic.twitter.com/MeqAYDS3c7
— WinStar World Casino and Resort (@WinStarWorld) September 6, 2018

The partnership, announced on Thursday, would have been unheard of until recent changes in law and NFL policy. The U.S. Supreme Court in May opened the door for gambling on sports at the tribal and state level. The NFL has since relaxed rules on team associations with gaming facilities, Sports Business Daily reported.

The Chickasaw Nation, however, does not authorize sports betting at this point.

WinStar is located near the Oklahoma border with Texas, about an hour north of the Dallas metropolitan area.

Read More on the Story

Cowboys, WinStar Form Unique Partnership (DallasCowboys.Com September 6, 2018)
Dallas Cowboys - WinStar World Casino Press Conference (DallasCowboys.Com September 6, 2018)
WinStar becomes official casino of the Dallas Cowboys (The Gainesville Daily Register September 6, 2018)
Cowboys Become First NFL Franchise With Official Casino Sponsor (Sports Illustrated September 6, 2018)
Cha-ching! Cowboys announce partnership with WinStar World Casino and Resort (The Fort Worth Star-Telegram September 6, 2018)
WinStar becomes Dallas Cowboys' official casino sponsor (Fox 4 News September 6, 2018) $P

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