Given the latter's predilection for splendour and the former's scorn for it, Spartans and Romans appear to be an unlikely match. According to a statement by Caesars Sportsbook, they'll aim to make a run in Michigan.

On Thursday, Caesars and Michigan State University announced a multi-year collaboration, making the Las Vegas-based corporation the Big Ten school's exclusive sports betting and iGaming partner.

Caesars will have naming rights to a premium seating section and an outdoor tailgating area at Spartan Stadium for the 2022 football season.

Spartans fans will be able to take advantage of special offers via Caesars' mobile sports betting and iGaming apps, as well as the World Series of Poker web site. Caesars will also be allowed to offer "VIP experiences" with the East Lansing school to its patrons.

“The Spartan fan base and alumni network is passionate and well-established across the country,” said Caesars Digital co-president Eric Hession in a statement. “We look forward to building upon our connection with them while strengthening the legacy we hold in the state of Michigan and advancing scholarship opportunities through this partnership.”

Caesars will give financing for student-athlete responsible gaming education and student scholarships in addition to an undisclosed financial commitment to the institution. Students interested in working in sports will be able to apply for internships and professional development possibilities at the gaming industry. The Spartans aren't the first collegiate team to form an alliance with a bookmaker. Caesars established a collaboration with Louisiana State University, one of the most prestigious schools in the SEC, in September.

The University of Colorado signed an agreement with PointsBet in 2020, and Denver University established a collaboration with Denver University last year.

Other agreements involving collegiate athletics have been reached in Arizona. The Fiesta Bowl, one of college football's most important bowl events, has partnered with Caesars for sports betting and fantasy gaming. The Arizona Bowl has been named after Barstool Sports, an online sports site whose brand promotes one of Penn National Gaming's sportsbooks.

Others have questioned whether amateur sports should be utilised to encourage sports betting. They've also highlighted issues regarding game integrity as well as responsible gaming practises. Despite the fact that illicit sports betting has been operating for a long time, they are concerned that the introduction of regulated sportsbooks could lead to match-fixing, with student players being paid to secure a certain outcome.

In Oregon, betting on college games is illegal. Other states, like as New Jersey, prohibit wagering on games held within their borders or involving in-state teams.

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