Viva Las Vegas for DraftKings
DraftKings plans to open a new office in Las Vegas as it seeks to complete its transformation from DFS giant to US gambling leader.
The company, which recently became the first operator to launch a mobile sportsbook in New Jersey, has announced a series of new appointments and detailed plans to open a clutch of new offices across the country to support its growth plans.
It has already opened a new office in San Francisco, California, which will house some of the firm’s growth marketing executives and their team, while it is also working on a new headquarters in Boston that is due to open early next year. The company’s workforce at the Massachusetts site is expected to grow by 75% over the next year.
“Presence in these international hubs of technology and gaming, respectively, allows us access to a tremendous talent pool and strengthens our position as leaders in this dynamic industry,” said Matt Kalish, co-founder and chief revenue officer at DraftKings.
Meanwhile, in a further move to drive expansion, DraftKings has added three executives to its senior management team.
Jamie Shea will join DraftKings as head of digital sportsbook operations after 10 years as a sportsbook and racebook director in Las Vegas.
Frank Kunovic will take on the role of director of retail sportsbook operations having previously worked for Caesars, most recently overseeing more than 20 sportsbooks and racebooks.
In addition, Sean Hurley has been named head of commercial growth, joining the firm after a spell as head of commercial for Amelco.
The trio of new additions comes after DraftKings last week also announced the appointments of Tom Goedde as chief marketing officer and Andy Yang as chief product officer.
Kalish said: “The bar for hiring talent at DraftKings is set extremely high, and our success in being first to market in New Jersey with mobile sports betting is the direct result of our skilled team.
“I am excited to welcome this new group of executives, while expanding the company to San Francisco and Las Vegas.”
Until recently the company distanced itself from sports wagering and 'games of chance' as a number of states sought to ban daily fantasy sports contests. However, since the Supreme Court’s decision to overrule PASPA in May, DraftKings has been widening its reach.
DraftKings in June struck a deal to offer sports betting services with Resorts Atlantic City in New Jersey, while a deal is also in place with Lago Resort & Casino in New York ready for when the state opts to legalise sports betting.