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DraftKings Sportsbook is on the move again.
DraftKings recently announced it reached an agreement to bring its online and mobile sports betting app to Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Race in West Virginia, an affiliate of Penn National Gaming. The official launch is pending regulatory approvals.
John Finamore, senior vice president of regional operations for Penn National Gaming, commented on the deal in a press release.
“We are pleased to help welcome DraftKings to West Virginia. We believe the state will certainly benefit from DraftKings’ tremendous brand awareness and expertise in providing customers a quality online sports betting experience.”
DraftKings likely to be first to offer WV online sports betting
WV sports betting is in its infancy, having launched only on Aug. 30. There are currently three WV sportsbooks in operation:
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town
- Mountaineer Casino in New Cumberland
- The Greenbrier, a private resort in White Sulphur Springs
However, there are no online sports betting apps in operation, providing DraftKings the opportunity to be the first to market. It worked well for it in New Jersey, and there is no doubt the company is hoping for a similar success story in WV.
Matt Kalish, chief revenue officer and co-founder of DraftKings, talked about adding the Mountain State to its portfolio.
“We are thrilled to work with Penn National Gaming to bring our online sportsbook product to West Virginia. We look forward to serving sports fans in the Mountain State and building on the immense success we have had in leading the New Jersey market. With over 90 percent of sports bettors returning to play after trying DraftKings Sportsbook, we are confident we can deliver on being the best place to play for West Virginia consumers.”
DraftKings bets on online gambling
DraftKings is the undisputed NJ sports betting leader. Nevertheless, it is not resting on its laurels.
Just before the announcement of its intent to offer online sports betting in West Virginia, DraftKings had more news. The company added blackjack to its mobile sports betting app in New Jersey. DraftKings Casino will undoubtedly provide more games in the near future, including real cash slots and video poker.
When DraftKings first came on the sports betting scene, there was a lingering question about whether the company could successfully transition from daily fantasy sports to sports betting. That question was answered long ago with a resounding yes. Now, it can claim to be a full-fledged gaming company.
The rate at which it capitalizes on opportunities to expand into new states and broaden its offerings is impressive, even for well-established companies.
DraftKings isn’t slowing down anytime soon
DraftKings will soon have a presence in three states:
- New Jersey
- West Virginia
- Mississippi
With the rate at which the company is innovating, there is no doubt more expansion plans are in the works.
The most likely state for expansion is Pennsylvania. PA sports betting is just one month old. In fact, online sports betting isn’t even planned to launch until sometime in 2019.
There is one major problem, though. Pennsylvania only allows one sports betting skin per casino. That means DraftKings will need to reach an agreement with a PA casino. The logical choice, based on recent developments is Penn National’s Hollywood Casino. It, however, already has an arrangement with William Hill.
New York may be another contender. In July, DraftKings partnered with del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo to bring a DraftKings-branded sportsbook to upstate New York.
The word on the street is there was a late-session push to get an NY sports betting bill on the books. It makes sense as there is a significant contingent of New Yorkers crossing over to New Jersey to place their wagers.
The bill did not materialize, however. That leaves a newly-elected legislature to take up the issue when it reconvenes in 2019. Should sports betting legislation make it into law, you can bet DraftKings will be ready.
For now, though, keep your eye on the Mountain State. No doubt DraftKings will find itself the talk of WV sports betting.
