PlayUp continues Australian expansion with NRL sponsorship
Gaming and DFS platform named as first ever 'cryptocurrency' sponsor for an Australian pro sports team
Online gaming and DFS platform PlayUp has continued its recent spending spree with a new sponsorship of NRL side, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The firm, which recently completed three major acquisitions, will use the deal to showcase its PlayUp.com DFS site and its PlayChip cryptocurrency token which is used on its sites.
“NRL is an increasingly popular sport on our PlayUp.com platform as our Australian and New Zealand user base grows”, said PlayUp CEO Daniel Simic.
“Through this significant sponsorship we now have access to one of Australia’s most loyal supporter and membership groups, while gaining exposure throughout the wider NRL fan base. We’re extremely pleased to be working with the Rabbitohs and look forward to a successful and mutually fruitful partnership.”
Simic said the partnership marked the first ever ‘cyrptocurrency’ sponsor for an Australian pro sports team.
PlayUp made its official sponsorship debut on Thursday when the Rabbitohs took the field against the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday, with the PlayUp logo on their uniforms.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said: “Our members and supporters will benefit from opportunities to use the platform, pick their favourite Rabbitohs players in free daily sports fantasy tournaments and have chances to win some of the huge prizes on offer at Rabbitohs home games.”
2018 NRL – Dragons Headshots and Team Photo:
Grant Trouville © NRL Photos
Last year Simic and investors resurrected the PlayUp brand that once burnt through A$100 million of investor funds.
PlayUp made waves in the gambling sector in recent weeks with three major deals, pledging to “acquire and roll up multiple Australian wagering and global fantasy sports businesses into a single group that is seeking to be dual listed on the ASX and NASDAQ”.
PlayUp said it will deliver “the world’s first fully-integrated, blockchain enabled global fantasy sports, online sports betting & gaming ecosystem”, based on its PlayChip cryptocurrency.
The firm is currently collecting payers on its free-to-play DFS site, then will launch a pay-to-play version and ultimately a sportsbook.