Tipico, a leading global sportsbook operator, today announced its exclusive partnership with Cleveland-based sports and entertainment network BIGPLAY to become the presenting sponsor of BIGPLAY’S live shows and streaming programs.

To kick off this partnership, Super Bowl XXVIII winner, college football national champion and legendary Cleveland Browns Quarterback Bernie Kosar placed the first legal sports bet on the platform at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2023 live across BigPlay and Tipico social handles.

Kosar placed a $19,000 moneyline wager on Cleveland to win their Week 18 matchup against Pittsburgh, in honor of his jersey number. Should Pittsburgh win their game on January 1 against Baltimore, Cleveland will be in prime position to play spoiler to Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes and hand them their first losing season in 19 years. This marquee rivalry game will also provide a stage for Cleveland to showcase its explosive offense and establish momentum heading into the 2023 season.

Continuing the sportsbook’s hyperlocal strategy to connect with the Ohio sports betting community, the partnership will see Tipico sponsor BIGPLAY’S VIP Player Lounge and Studio at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. The space will be a welcome spot for high profile sports personalities and athletes and is just minutes away from Cleveland muni tailgates, which unlocks unlimited opportunities for fan meet and greet events.

“Partnering with one of the fastest growing live sports content networks on the internet is a natural extension of our goal to captivate the diehard, impassioned fan bases across the Buckeye State” said David Paschkes, Chief Commercial Officier of Tipico North America “We are thrilled to have the first Tipico bet in Ohio placed by Cleveland football legend and BIGPLAY host Bernie Kosar to commence a successful and long-lasting presence in the state of Ohio.”