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One of two Massachusetts horse racing facilities is looking to partner with one of the top sports betting operators in the US, DraftKings.
According to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission(MGC) agenda, Suffolk Downs has filed a request for approval of DK Horse, LLC as an account betting provider.
Online horse betting is legal in Massachusetts via TVG, Twinspires and AmWager.
DK Horse app will offer parimutuel online horse betting if approved
Although nothing has been confirmed, there is speculation that DraftKings will try to launch DK Horse in Massachusetts, given Massachusetts online sports betting is now legal. The meeting request also suggests that should Suffolk Downs choose to open a retail sportsbook, DraftKings would likely be its partner.
In an email to the Massachusetts director of racing, Michael Buckley, the chief operating officer at Suffolk Downs, wrote:
“[Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company] has informed us that parimutuel wagering on horse racing through the DK Horse-branded app will operate on the existing CDTIC infrastructure. CDTIC will host the patron accounts and wallets and provide KYC procedures and customer service.
Wagering on DK Horse will utilize CDTIC’s tote, streaming, data, settlement and related operations. We seek approval of DK Horse as an ADW provider for parimutuel wagering only.”
DK Horse has been approved in Oregon, Virginia, Minnesota and Montana. The app is also awaiting approval in several other jurisdictions.
Suffolk Downs is a prime location for retail sportsbook
Suffolk Downs can operate a retail sportsbook as a licensed MA horse betting simulcast center. The simulcast center can also allow an existing provider to use its online sports betting license.
Raynham Park, the other simulcast facility in the state, plans to open a massive retail Caesars Sportsbook by June. The MGC said it intends to review the Raynham Park/Caesars application during its March 28 meeting.
Located roughly eight miles northeast of downtown Boston, Suffolk Downs is a prime location for a retail sportsbook. Encore Boston Harbor, six miles north of downtown Boston, generated $16.9 million in sports betting handle during its first month of operation.
