Red Hawk Casino is now the official casino partner of the Sacramento Kings. The NBA team and the Northern California casino in Placerville are not the only ones benefiting from the deal. Fans could cash in on the Sacramento Kings-Red Hawk Casino partnership.
The timing of the partnership coincides with two ballot initiatives on the November ballot in California. Passage of one or both sports betting propositions could have a bearing on the partnership down the road.
The Kings announced the partnership with Red Hawk Casino on July 5. The casino is operated by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Although the specific terms of the deal have not been released, both sides are referring to it as a “multi-year” deal.
What’s in it for the fans?
Aside from potential sports betting opportunities at Golden 1 Center, the partnership also gives Kings fans a chance to win “exclusive casino experiences, family getaways and other rewards,” according to the official release. The casino might also have a hand in upgrading some “select premium spaces” at Golden 1 Center.
Kings fans who visit Red Hawk Casino “will have special access to Kings game tickets, Golden 1 Center show tickets, merchandise, memorabilia and more.”
Fans will benefit from the partnership, said Kings President of Business Operations John Reinhart.
“We are excited to partner with Red Hawk Casino and build on our commitment to bringing world-class experiences to our fans.”
It’s just a 45-minute drive from the casino to Golden 1 Center, so fans should be eager to take advantage of rewards on both sides of the partnership.
Deal brings exposure to CA casino expansion project
The Miwoks opened the Red Hawk Casino in 2009. The tribe hopes to attract attention to two major projects currently under construction next to the casino.
One is a 120,000-square-foot, five-story hotel. It will have 125 rooms and also 25 suites.
The other is an 85,000-square-foot, multi-level amusement center. It features an indoor electric go-kart track, state-of-the-art bowling alley, VR games, golf-simulation bays and also a sports bar.
Both projects are targeted to open during the Kings’ upcoming season. Red Hawk Casino President and CEO Bryan deLugo is excited over the expansion and the partnership.
“We are proud to support Sacramento and the Kings. And we are looking forward to providing an unmatched all-inclusive casino and resort experience in the very near future.”
Sports betting not part of partnership … for now
The Kings had a partnership with a casino in 2019, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Wheatland run by the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe. The partnership gave exposure to the opening of the tribe’s casino. The partnership dissolved soon after.
The outcome of the upcoming election will almost certainly influence the partnership between the Kings and Red Hawk. One initiative, Prop. 26, establishes in-person sports betting at 66 CA tribal casinos. The other, Prop. 27, establishes California online sports betting through operators that partner with a federally-recognized California tribe.
Passage of the former might not make a significant impact on the partnership. Passage of the latter could result in a dedicated Red Hawk sportsbook at Golden 1 Center.
