Colorado Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon has partnered with sportsbook MaximBet. Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Blackmon becomes first MLB player with sportsbook deal

The partnership between professional athletes and the ever-growing sports gambling world appears to be growing by the minute. That bond has now extended to the baseball diamond, as sportsbook MaximBet introduced Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon as its new ambassador, making him the first active MLB player to endorse a sportsbook in the United States.

"As I learned more about MaximBet, I knew this absolutely was the right brand for me," Blackmon said in a release, via ESPN. "MaximBet has really attached itself to the local Colorado community, and I cannot wait to have some fun with MaximBet and surprising fans with incredible 'money can't buy' experiences all season."

Blackmon is the first player to take advantage of opportunities in the sports betting realm that were included in the league's new CBA. Per MLB policy, he can promote MaximBet itself, but not actual gambling on baseball. All active players, coaches, and team personnel are still prohibited from betting on Major League Baseball.

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