Seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady has signed with BVGroup as the BetVictor brand’s Safer Gambling Ambassador in Canada.
McGrady is a familiar face and name to basketball fans in the U.S. after being named to the All-Star roster seven times in his 16 seasons in the NBA, as well as being named back-to-back scoring champion in 2003 and 2004 and setting several Orlando Magic franchise records.
Now, the 45-year-old has become the latest former player to represent a sportsbook. In adherence with Ontario’s strict regulations, he will only be able to advertise BetVictor’s responsible gambling practices and raise awareness of responsible betting behaviors among the brand’s Canadian customers.
“Safer gambling is an important issue across Canada and I look forward to helping to promote this message alongside BetVictor to encourage Canadian customers to bet and play safely and responsibly,” said McGrady.
Last year, BetVictor revealed its new BVGroup corporate identity to “reflect its position” as a multi-brand gambling operator and B2B technology solutions provider. As well as BetVictor, BVGroup also has the likes of Betano UK, Heart Bingo and Wiz Slots under its umbrella.
“We are thrilled to have signed Tracy McGrady to BetVictor to promote Safer Gambling,” said BVGroup Chief Commercial Officer Brent Almeida. “Tracy is a perfect role model, with an amazing career across 16 seasons in the NBA. Aligning with him is a perfect fit for the BetVictor brand.
McGrady joins a lengthening list of ex-NBA stars to team up with betting and gaming operators in North America. Just last week, for instance, DraftKings drafted Shaquille O’Neal as its latest high-profile brand ambassador, adding him to other leading stars including LeBron James.
Multiple sportsbooks scrap certain NBA player props amid Jontay Porter fallout
The news of McGrady’s signing comes after news broke on Friday that multiple sportsbooks have agreed not to offer ‘under’ prop bets on NBA players who are on two-way or 10-day contracts this season. An NBA spokesperson confirmed to SBC Americas that the change is the result of discussions between the league and its sportsbook partners in an effort to combat game manipulation.
“We are pleased that these actions have been taken to help protect the integrity of our games,” the spokesperson said.
ESPN’s David Purdum first reported that industry leaders FanDuel and DraftKings are among the sportsbooks that have agreed not to offer the specific prop bets. DraftKings confirmed to SBC Americas that it is “in alignment with the NBA and we are thankful for the opportunity to engage with them on the topic,”
PENN Entertainment‘s ESPN Bet, Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM all confirmed to SBC Americas that they will not offer the specific betting markets this season.
The multi-sportsbook move comes amid the fallout from two-way Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter’s lifetime NBA ban and criminal guilty plea to manipulating his own performances to ensure ‘under’ prop bets on two games earlier this year cashed in.
