Internet Sensation Hailey Welch Capitalizes on Fame with Sports Betting Trademark.

Hailey Welch, now colloquially known as the “Hawk Tuah girl,” filed a variety of trademark applications earlier this month, including one for “Bet On That Thang.” The filings were made by 16 Minutes LLC, a Tennessee-based limited liability corporation that appears to reference the notion of “15 minutes of fame.” Welch, hailing from the Volunteer State, is looking to capitalize on her sudden internet stardom. Her trademark applications span a wide array of categories, from comedy shows and condiments to sports betting services and apparel.

Welch rose to internet fame last month during a man-on-the-street interview conducted in Nashville by the YouTube channel Tim & Dee TV. Her response to a sexually charged question included an onomatopoeia referencing the release of saliva, which quickly went viral. “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang,” Welch responded. Thus, the “Hawk Tuah Girl” moniker was born.

It is common for celebrities to file trademarks and not always use them, but Welch appears poised to leverage her notoriety. The “Bet On That Thang” trademark registration is intended to cover categories such as sports betting services, wagering services, and entertainment services related to casino gaming, according to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Given that online sports wagering is legal in Tennessee, Welch could adopt a localized approach or become a paid endorser of an established gaming company. She already has a considerable following among Gen Z and millennial men, demographics that are highly coveted by sportsbook operators.

With football season approaching, Welch’s entry into the sports betting arena could be well-timed. She already has loose connections to the gaming industry, having made her first paid appearance following the viral video at the Daer Dayclub at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, on July 8. The venue is operated by Hard Rock International, controlled by the Seminole Tribe. Welch was reportedly paid $30,000 for judging a bikini contest during this event.

Dubbed a “charming Gen Z Dolly Parton” by Rolling Stone, Welch has also signed a representation deal with Penthouse, and there are rumors she may star in her own reality television series. Additionally, she has used her newfound fame to support animal shelters in the Nashville area, leveraging her social media presence for a good cause.