Dr. Brandon Mastromartino

Assistant Professor
Hospitality and Tourism Management
L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
SDSU
Primary Email: [email protected]
Phone/Fax
Primary Phone: 6195945456
Building/Location
Adams Humanities - 4228
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego,
CA
92182
Website Links
Bio
Dr. Brandon Mastromartino is the Director of the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming and an Assistant Professor in the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University. He holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Sport Management & Policy from the University of Georgia and a B.A. in Media & Communications from the University of Western Ontario.
Brandon’s research focuses on the consumer behavior of sports fans, sports bettors, and the development of insights that inform strategies for sport organizations, corporate partners, gaming operators, and regulatory bodies. Leveraging theories from behavioral sciences, social economics, digital marketing, and consumer psychology, his work explores regulatory frameworks, policy development, and responsible marketing practices within sports wagering. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles in sport marketing and sports betting outlets such as UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal, the Journal of Gambling Studies, and Sport Marketing Quarterly. He also serves on the editorial boards of several academic publications, including Case Studies in Sport Management, the International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, and Sport Marketing Quarterly.
Outside of academia, Brandon collaborates with organizations across the sports, gaming, and entertainment industries. In 2024, he was named to Global Gaming Business Magazine's (GGB) 25 People to Watch list for 2025. He currently sits on working groups and task forces with the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). His industry collaborations include work with FanDuel, the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Football Club, and Major League Baseball. In the Payne School, Dr. Mastromartino teaches courses focused on marketing and data driven decision making for students aspiring to work in the sports, hospitality, tourism, recreation, and gaming industries. Prior to joining SDSU, he taught at the University of Georgia, Southern Methodist University, and the University of North Texas.
Education
- Ph.D., Sport Management & Policy, University of Georgia
- M.S., Sport Management & Policy, University of Georgia
- B.A., Media & Communications, University of Western Ontario
Areas of Specialization
Sports Betting, Sports Fandom, Sports Marketing
Courses
- RTM 290 - Data Driven Decision Making
- HTM 496 - Sport, Tourism, and Event Marketing
Publications
Mastromartino, B., Li, W., & Qian, Y.T. (2025). Between the lines: Legal consciousness and consumer perceptions of online sports betting. Journal of Gambling Studies
Mastromartino, B., Naraine, M.L., & Wear, H. (2025). The nexus of sports fandom and sports wagering: A scoping review. UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal 29(1), 75-100
Mastromartino, B. (2024). Attitudes, perceptions, and intentions toward sports betting legalization: A cluster analysis of California residents. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure, and Events
Mastromartino, B., Wear, H., Naraine, M. L., Reifurth, K. (2022). Letting the dogs out: The impact of team service dogs on brand image, perceived altruism, and behavioral intention. Sport Marketing Quarterly 31(4), 265-277.
Mastromartino, B., & Naraine, M.L. (2022). (Dis)Innovative digital strategy in professional sport: Examining sponsor leveraging through social media. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship 23(5), 934-949.
Mastromartino, B., Wang, J.J., Suggs D.W., Hollenbeck, C.R., Zhang, J.J. (2022) Dimensions of sense of membership in a sport fan community: Factors, outcomes, and social capital implications. Communication & Sport 10(6), 1229-1256.
Mastromartino, B., Ross W.J., Wear, H., & Naraine, M.L. (2020). Thinking outside the “box”: A discussion of sports fans, teams, and the environment in the context of COVID 19. Sport in Society 23(11), 1707-1723.
Mastromartino, B., Zhang J.J., Hollenbeck C.R., Suggs D.W., Connaughton D.P. (2019) Conceptually assessing sense of membership in a sport fan community. Journal of Sport Behavior 42(3), 332-364.