Tom George to head Sports Marketing at MDI Entertainment

This new role has been created to capitalize on the licensing agreements MDI has with major professional sports leagues including Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, NASCAR, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Major League Soccer. Under these agreements, MDI offers the use of trademarks, graphics and other assets of the professional leagues and teams to lotteries for use in connection with instant games.

These games typically involve experiential and merchandise prizing from the teams and often can include sponsorships and other marketing packages as well. In his new capacity, George will work with local teams and their respective lotteries to identify opportunities to enhance the value of these partnerships for both parties, while at the same time seeking other sports-related opportunities.

“Licensed professional sports games have been a valuable tool in helping lotteries attract new players and create a halo effect of entertainment and excitement around the entire instant game product line, and we want to help find ways to make them even more successful for our lottery customers,” said Steve Saferin, President, Properties Group and Chief Creative Officer for Scientific Games.

 “Tom is a well-known and highly respected executive within the Sports Marketing industry. His extensive network, combined with his entrepreneurial approach and understanding of integrated sports marketing programs, present an ideal skill set that we will use to expand our sports marketing presence,” Saferin added.