Jamie Foxx, the Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in
Ray (2004) and
Django Unchained (2012), has made headlines not only in Hollywood but also in the world of legal online gambling.
His partnership with BetMGM, one of the leading online gambling platforms in the U.S., has highlighted the growing popularity and acceptance of legal online betting.
This collaboration also ties into the broader narrative of promoting responsible gambling experiences. Similarly,
Jackpot Sound stands for regulated and legal online gambling experiences in the USA.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Jamie Foxx’s connection with BetMGM, the impact of this partnership, and the significance of legal online gambling in today’s entertainment landscape.
Who Is Jamie Foxx?
Jamie Foxx, real name Eric Marlon Bishop, was born on December 13, 1967, in Terrell, Texas. He is a multi-talented artist, known for his brilliant works as an actor, comedian, and musician.
Throughout his whole career, Foxx’s road to fame has been full of diverse significant milestones, starting with his work in different entertainment sectors.
10 Curious Facts About Jamie Foxx
#1. Multi-Award Winner
Jamie Foxx has won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for his 2009 single
Blame It, showcasing his talent in acting and music.
#2. Pianist Prodigy
Foxx is an accomplished pianist. He learned to play the piano by ear, a skill that has contributed to his success in both his acting and music careers.
#3. Comedy Roots
Before achieving fame, Foxx performed stand-up comedy in clubs across the U.S., including the legendary
Comedy Store in Los Angeles, which helped him hone his comedic skills.
#4. Voice Acting
Foxx lent his voice to the animated character of Joe Gardner in the critically acclaimed
Pixar film Soul (2020), a role that earned him a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in an Animated Feature.
#5. Diverse Genres
Foxx starred in the 2014 film
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as the villain Electro, demonstrating his ability to tackle roles in various genres, from drama to superhero films.
#6. First African-American Host
Foxx was the first African-American host of the Academy Awards, hosting the 2005 ceremony, a milestone in the history of the Oscars.
#7. Philanthropic Efforts
Foxx is actively involved in charitable work, including supporting organizations like the
Global Down Syndrome Foundation and his foundation, the
Jamie Foxx Foundation, which focuses on education and youth development.
#8. Basketball Skills
Foxx is an avid basketball player and has participated in celebrity basketball games, showcasing his skills on the court alongside other famous athletes and entertainers.
#9. Academy Award Nominee
In addition to winning the Best Actor Oscar for
Ray (2004), Foxx was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in
Collateral (2004), making him the second actor in history to receive two Academy Award nominations in the same year.
#10. Influential Role Model
Foxx was recognized by
Time magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2005, highlighting his impact and influence both in and outside the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Foxx was brought up in a modest family, and his grandmother looked after him from the age of seven after she adopted him. His early exposure to music and comedy formed the basis of his career.
Foxx came into the entertainment industry through his comedic performances, and it popularized his career after he won the role in the sketch comedy show
In Living Color in the early 1990s.
Television and Film Success
Furthermore, the TV success made the actor even more popular with his sitcom,
The Jamie Foxx Show, which first aired in 1996 and lasted until 2001. The series was a hit, and Foxx was praised for his comedic and acting skills.
His talent was further recognized when he moved on to do films that started with the main roles in films such as
Any Given Sunday and
Collateral.
He, then, was awarded for his performance in the film
Ray, where he depicted the character of Ray Charles, the soul singer.
The movie was Foxx's highest point as an actor, and it allowed him to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.
With this achievement, he became one of Hollywood's top actors. Foxx's expertise was brought out through his acting in roles such as
Django Unchained (2012) and
Baby Driver (2017), further cementing his hold in the film world.
Favorite Gambling Activities
Jamie Foxx, renowned for his diverse talents, also has a notable passion for casino games.
He enjoys blackjack for its blend of skill and strategy. The game’s decision-making process and challenge of beating the dealer resonate with his analytical side.
Poker appeals to Foxx’s competitive spirit. The strategic elements and social interaction of the game make it a favorite, and he’s participated in celebrity poker tournaments, showcasing his skills.
Foxx appreciates roulette for its simplicity and thrill. The excitement of watching the wheel spin and the potential for a big win adds to the game’s appeal.
Foxx likes slot machines for their entertainment value and variety. The excitement of spinning the reels and the chance of hitting a jackpot make slots a fun choice for him.
Jamie Foxx Joins Forces with BetMGM
Jamie Foxx officially took on the role of BetMGM’s endorser in September 2020. What a monumental occasion in online betting history is that one of America’s biggest stars has thrown his weight behind a key player in that industry.
BetMGM is the name of the joint project between MGM Resorts International and Entain Holding which is a crucial figure in the US betting market and includes several sports betting, casino games, and poker options.
Foxx’s BetMGM endowment was not just another celebrity endorsement: he was also highly featured in the brand’s marketing campaigns. He was the main actor in numerous advertisements that were played on numerous platforms.
Jamie Foxx’s BetMGM Ads
Jamie Foxx’s partnership with BetMGM has been marked by a series of engaging and high-profile advertisements. These ads have played a crucial role in BetMGM’s marketing strategy, showcasing the platform’s features while leveraging Foxx’s star power to capture audience attention.
The King of Sportsbooks (September 2020)
The first ad in the series, titled
The King of Sportsbooks, debuted in September 2020. In this commercial, Jamie Foxx is depicted as a charismatic and regal figure presiding over a grand, casino-like setting.
The ad features Foxx dressed in a sophisticated, royal-like outfit, surrounded by luxurious décor and high-stakes betting scenarios.
The ad emphasizes BetMGM’s comprehensive sports betting options and its status as a top choice for bettors searching for a premium experience.
Unleash the Fun (November 2020)
Released in November 2020, the
Unleash the Fun ad showcases Jamie Foxx in a more playful and energetic role. In this commercial, Foxx is seen interacting with a variety of enthusiastic sports fans and bettors.
The ad features a dynamic, fast-paced setting with a focus on the excitement and thrill of live sports betting.
The ad highlights BetMGM’s user-friendly platform and its ability to bring the fun of sports betting directly to users, emphasizing the enjoyment and entertainment value of the experience.
Your Best Bet (February 2021)
The
Your Best Bet ad aired in February 2021, strategically timed around major sports events like the Super Bowl. This commercial positions Jamie Foxx as an expert and advisor, offering tips and insights on how to make the most out of sports betting with BetMGM.
The ad promotes BetMGM as the go-to platform for informed and enjoyable sports betting, highlighting its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.
These ads have been instrumental in promoting BetMGM’s brand and services, leveraging Jamie Foxx’s star power to attract a wide audience.
Each commercial serves a distinct purpose—whether it’s establishing BetMGM’s status, emphasizing fun and excitement, or providing valuable insights—contributing to the overall success of the marketing campaign.
Foxx’s involvement has helped position BetMGM as a leading choice in the competitive online gambling market, appealing to both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike.
Jamie Foxx within the Gambling Context
Featured Jamie Foxx as a sponsor in a betting context, which is glamorous and lights up as the sponsorship activation high roller concept brings the real adrenaline and enjoyment of the BetMGM betting experience to life.
The concept of online gambling has been mayhem in the country in the time of Americans standing out by 2020.
The strong influence of the coronavirus pandemic caused the shutting down of very many casinos, whereas this became an opportunity for online gambling, which saw a surge due to demand.
Among those states that had already legalized a record-setting number of online casinos, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the year 2020 came out as a game-changer.
Several states that have already legalized it, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have met record revenues, which are optimistic in this regard.
This scenario provided an inclination that was right for BetMGM to grow its influence, and yet it led to Jamie Foxx becoming the face of the brand.
Foxx was the main attraction of BetMGM since his use was in part of it.
His popularity, not only with a single race of people but with different races as well, and his entertaining and energetic character were its best assets, which brought people toward them.
Foxx’s popularity made him BetMGM's customer magnet in the battle of operators as more and more states passed the bill to legalize online gambling and competition began to intensify among operators in the industry.
Jamie Foxx and BetMGM’s Expansion into New Markets
For now, BetMGM continued that upward trajectory since Foxx got involved, subsequently debuting in a few more states.
At the end of 2021, BetMGM had the lion’s share of operations in Michigan, Virginia, Iowa, etc., with the rest of the states to follow. Each launch was closely followed by fresh marketing strategies alongside Foxx, which empowered the brand to be the fans' favorite.
Michigan was an instance for us, as BetMGM launched its online games platform in January 2021, right around the time the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl were happening. The primary role of the launch is credited to Foxx’s commercials, which caught a large audience for BetMGM.
The Broader Impact of Jamie Foxx’s Partnership with BetMGM
Through his connection with BetMGM, Jamie Foxx has had a more pronounced influence on the online gambling industry in the U.S. because it is now legal.
His contribution to the field has allowed online gambling to hit the mainstream, which in turn has led to its normalization and decreased the stigma attached to it.
Foxx’s endorsement has raised awareness about the importance of responsible gaming and allowed BetMGM to communicate its commitment to gaming responsibly alongside marketing its products.
Foxx’s bond with BetMGM has set a precedent for other bigwigs to tread the legal online gambling sphere.
Officers of the company revealed that several other people, apart from celebrities and professional esports players, paired up with online gambling operators in 2020.
The trend serves as clear evidence of the increased acceptance and popularity of legal online gambling in the United States.
Conclusion
Jamie Foxx's link to BetMGM is not only connected with real-world gambling because it goes deeper into the gaming platform. It may be a single vital event in the history of gambling in the U.S.
Jamie Foxx’s favorite casino games—blackjack, poker, roulette, and slot machines—reflect his diverse interests and enjoyment of gaming.
In 2020, Foxx was a major factor contributing to the creation of BetMGM's marketing market, introducing the brand into new markets, and getting closer to new customers.
His presence allowed for a wider approach to the legalization of online gambling, since it has become more attractive for other celebrities to join the industry.
As the legalization of online gambling increases in the U.S., the Foxx-BetMGM union will likely be recognized as a defining moment, Hollywood's biggest star helping the population of internet gambling.
By Chris Bates
