New York is yet to move into legalized sports betting, but that has not stopped companies and entertainment franchises from rushing to do all that they can to get ready to enter the market when legislation changes. That is because the Empire State has made it clear that it will focus on bringing legal and regulated sports betting to citizens this year.
This week, it was reported that the parent company of Madison Square Gardens is making plans to possibly enter the sports betting market, by applying to trademark its brand for sports betting reasons.
The company, which operates the New York based-Madison Square Gardens stadium, as well as other entertainment venues in London, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The group requested a trademark for the use of the MSG brand across all platforms, including mobile, online and on social media. Further, the group requested a trademark for downloadable mobile applications for sports betting, the organization of sports betting tournaments and information that relates to sports betting competitions.
In its trademark application, MSG also asks to be covered for fantasy sports competition online, and for the provision of sports news, video clips, web cam feeds and more.
A spokesperson for MSG said: “We have said we’re very interested in the opportunities legalized sports gaming could bring, and recognize that we have a brand, in MSG, that is recognizable around the world for its connection to iconic sports.”