The Orlando Magic have announced a landmark multi-year partnership with Hard Rock Bet, naming it the team’s Official Sportsbook Partner. The deal represents the Magic’s first-ever sports betting collaboration, strengthening Hard Rock Bet’s presence across Florida’s regulated wagering market and reinforcing its position as the state’s only legal sportsbook.
Elevating the Fan Experience
The partnership, launching with the 2025–26 NBA season, will feature extensive in-arena branding at the Kia Center, including digital signage, branded basket padding during home games, and a dedicated Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook space on the Terrace Level. The collaboration aims to enhance the fan experience both in the arena and online through exclusive promotions, themed nights, and interactive digital content.
Magic fans will also have access to the Hard Rock Bet Magic Club, a free-to-join rewards program available via the sportsbook app, offering exclusive offers, content, and “money-can’t-buy” experiences throughout the season.
J.T. McWalters, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships at the Orlando Magic, said: “It’s an exciting day to announce our organization’s first-ever sports betting partnership. Our strategy with Hard Rock Bet was to ensure we’re enhancing the fan experience no matter where you are, at the Kia Center, at home, or anywhere else, and we believe this partnership will bring all of those strategies to life.”
Florida’s Leading Sportsbook
As the only licensed sportsbook in Florida, Hard Rock Bet operates under the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The brand has already established partnerships with other major franchises, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Heat, and continues to expand its footprint nationwide through collaborations that blend entertainment, technology, and fan engagement.
Nick Menas, representing Hard Rock Bet, commented: “This partnership is about delivering one-of-a-kind experiences that put Magic fans at the center of the action, both at Kia Center and wherever they’re engaging with their favorite team. We’re thrilled to be tapping into the excitement around this year’s team, fans have already made the Magic one of the most-bet teams in our app this offseason.”
Growing National and Digital Presence
The Orlando Magic deal follows Hard Rock Bet’s expansion activity in New Jersey, where it recently partnered with RLX Gaming to boost its online casino portfolio, adding popular titles such as Temple Tumble and The Great Pigsby.
Beyond sports betting, the Hard Rock brand continues to strengthen its entertainment presence. Mario Lopez was recently appointed as brand ambassador for Hard Rock Games, promoting the company’s new social casino app Jackpot Planet. The campaign, titled “Spin Like a Star,” underscores Hard Rock’s commitment to bridging real-world entertainment with digital gaming experiences.
Meanwhile, Hard Rock Bet also made headlines when a player in Boca Raton redeemed nearly 5 million Unity Points, the company’s loyalty currency, for a Tesla Model Y, highlighting the brand’s robust rewards ecosystem that spans both online and land-based play.
A Broader Vision for Florida
The Orlando Magic partnership arrives as Florida cements its position as one of the most dynamic and closely watched markets in US sports betting. With regulatory frameworks stabilizing and fan engagement models evolving, collaborations like this reflect the increasing integration between professional sports and regulated wagering.
For Hard Rock Bet, the deal reinforces its long-term strategy of aligning with iconic franchises to deliver innovative, fan-centered entertainment, and for the Orlando Magic, it opens a new chapter in connecting with supporters across multiple touchpoints.
Sources: Hard Rock Bet, Gambling Insider, Covers
