Texas continues to struggle to expand gambling in the state, including when it comes to sports betting and bringing commercial casinos to the Lone Star State.
Meanwhile, Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK, which is just 90 minutes away from Dallas, is rolling out a new marketing campaign featuring some of the most successful athletes in Texas sports history.
Dubbed “Where the Players Play”, the campaign features Dallas Cowboys stars and NFL Hall of Famers Darren Woodson and Troy Aikman as well as longtime Texas Ranger and MLB Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez. The trio has already done several one-off promotions with the property, but they are now inking a more long-term deal that was partially brokered by RPM Sports & Entertainment.
“We are excited to welcome championship-caliber talent in Troy, Pudge, and Darren to the Choctaw Casinos & Resorts family,” said Janie Dillard, senior executive officer, Commerce Division, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “We look forward to working alongside them in this unprecedented campaign to promote ‘Where the Players Play.’ The North Texas market is home to a large majority of our annual visitors, and we can’t wait to have these sports icons represent and celebrate the Choctaw brand.”
“Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has come onto the sports scene in a big way,” said Aikman. “As a proud Oklahoman, I couldn’t be more excited to join their roster for this trailblazing campaign.”
The marketing efforts will largely run in North Texas, where Choctaw continues to establish a strong brand presence, working with the Rangers, the Dallas Stars, and the Dallas Mavericks to just name a few sports partners.
“From special appearances to hosting football watch parties in Durant, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the time I’ve spent at Choctaw,” said Woodson. “As the sports and gaming industries continue to intersect, I applaud Choctaw for their continued efforts to align themselves with each of the top sports properties in DFW – one of the most dominant regions for sports business in the country.”
“I take pride in having represented Choctaw Casinos & Resorts for the past few years and look forward to continuing my association with them in this next chapter,” added Rodriguez. “Choctaw Casinos & Resorts’ strong relationship with the Texas Rangers is just one more reason why this partnership makes perfect sense.”
