Magic Oak

What is Magic Oak?

Sponsorship by betting companies would be prohibited for clubs and other sports entities, federations, leagues, competitions, sports broadcasts, cultural events, shows, educational and social projects, philanthropic entities, civil society organisations, political parties, candidates and election campaigns, as well as digital influencers, athletes, artists and celebrities.

The ban covers brand exposure, naming rights, licensing, ambassadors and other forms of promotional association. The text provides a 24-month period for adapting or terminating sponsorship contracts, and the signing, renewal, or extension of contracts will only be permitted if the respective term of validity expires within those 24 months.

Sponsorship activities involving children and adolescents, schools, and youth sports categories are also prohibited. Betting companies will also be banned from associating their brand with campaigns or projects related to mental health, suicide prevention, financial education, treatment of gambling disorders, social assistance, prevention of over-indebtedness or protection of vulnerable families. 

How to play Magic Oak

The deal extends to activations around the 2027 Super Bowl in Los Angeles. The companies have outlined provisions for hospitality programmes, VIP experiences, activations across several Mexican cities and official NFL merchandise opportunities for Codere Online’s customer base.

“This agreement strengthens our premium positioning while underlining our long-term commitment to Mexico, a market with an extraordinary passion for the NFL,” said Carlos Sabanza, director of sponsorships and public relations at Codere Online. 

By aligning with the NFL, Codere seeks to leverage marquee live events to boost customer engagement and enhance its offerings through unique fan experiences.

How to play Magic Oak

This requirement raised concerns among operators worried that the barriers to entry could have become more restrictive, But at a meeting on the policies last year the regulator assured licensees it was not enforcing a specific strict rule on this.

Speaking to iGB at the time, Bjorn Fuchs, chairman of VNLOK Fuchs noted “there was a sigh of relief going through the room when it was presented”.

Rather than a crackdown across the board, what emerged was a more regulated renewal framework.