No one can dispute the status of combat sports as adrenaline-fueled competitions. That’s because boxers and MMA fighters possess skillsets that are beyond imaginable for the average person. But the fans aren’t the only ones who benefit from these events. On the contrary, combat sports also support online casinos and vice versa.

The connection between these two industries is strong, but now it seems even unbreakable - and it’s not just because of sports betting. Gambling platforms also use martial arts and similar disciplines to design new games.

But here’s the key question: How do casinos and combat sports cooperate? Read on to learn about it.

It’s all about business

The connection we are talking about is deep-rooted and mutually beneficial. Casinos have been involved in combat sports since the early days of boxing in the 1940s. Back then, the Desert Inn casino in Las Vegas hosted high-profile boxing matches.

Other casinos in the city quickly followed suit, and before long, Las Vegas became known as the boxing capital of the world. MMA emerged in the 1990s, and casinos immediately saw an opportunity to expand their involvement in combat sports by hosting MMA fights as well.

How did this help fighters and sports organizations?

The idea is simple – casino events gave a new platform for athletes to fight in front of a wide (and brand new!) audience. Casinos invest heavily in promotion, which further builds anticipation that generates huge interest in upcoming fights.

There’s no need to go further than the UFC. In the early days of the organization, the UFC struggled to find venues for its events. However, this organization sealed a deal with the Station Casinos chain in Las Vegas in 2001. It didn’t take the UFC too much time to get a foothold in the mainstream.

On the other hand, we can’t neglect the financial benefits of casinos' involvement in combat sports. It’s a lucrative business opportunity because big events generate even bigger revenue for casinos. This goes through:

- Ticket sales
- Merchandise
- Food sales
- Beverages
- On-site advertising

Of course, gambling venues also benefit from the increased foot traffic. That’s just what hosting high-profile events brings to the casino.

Fight of the Century in MGM Grand The "Fight of the Century" between boxing icons Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao took place at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, in 2015. It was probably the most highly anticipated match in the sport's history. The bout saw Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao facing off in a long-awaited showdown that had been years in the making. Despite the hype and excitement surrounding the fight, it ultimately proved to be a one-sided affair, with Mayweather Jr. emerging as the clear winner in a unanimous decision victory.

Combat sports have always been male-dominated, but female athletes are breaking through thanks to the support from gambling companies.

For example, the UFC made significant strides in promoting lady fighters. The organization now boasts several female superstars, including Amanda Nunes and Rose Namajunas. This kind of representation is crucial in creating a more inclusive and diverse sport that can inspire future generations of female athletes.

Benefits of the cooperation

While some see this as a negative influence, the reality is that casinos' support brings multiple benefits that extend beyond the sports industry. First of all, it has a positive impact on the actual athletes who can finally earn more. Casino sponsorships help fighters to train and earn a living from their sport.

For example, the UFC secured a five-year $175 million sponsorship contract with DraftKings in 2020. This deal provided UFC fighters with increased earning potential and helped to elevate the sport's profile.

But it’s not just about individual athletes, as sponsorships create new jobs in both industries. From event organizers and promoters to coaches and trainers, combat sports now have a broad range of employment opportunities. For example, rough estimations say that “The Fight of the Century” generated over 12 thousand jobs (both directly and indirectly): hotel staff, promoters, security personnel, ticket takers, and so on.

The Bottom Line

Looking ahead, we can conclude that the relationship between casinos and combat sports will continue to flourish. MMA and boxing keep growing, so there’s no reason for big gambling venues to cancel their support. After all, these are high-profile events that make money. As the industry evolves, we may even see new types of games and betting opportunities that merge the worlds of gambling and combat sports.