DraftKings betting on NJ launch for NFL season

DraftKings’ sports betting platform is set for go in New Jersey in time for the NFL season after its state partner, Resorts Casino, submitted its licence application ahead of Monday’s deadline. 

Atlantic City’s casinos have put their money on sports betting after applying en masse for New Jersey licences in time for the deadline given by the authorities, who want to be able to scrutinise submissions before the NFL season starts in early September.

Mobile and online betting should also be live in New Jersey well before the football begins.

Of the nine casinos in the east coast’s gaming capital, just the Borgata – by far the city’s biggest gambling establishment – and Ocean Resorts, which is partnered with William Hill, have launched sports betting since it was legalised last month.

More than $16m (£12.2m/€13.8m) was wagered in the state in the first two weeks of operations after launch on June 14. 

Resorts Casino partnered with DraftKings last month, announcing plans to launch a sports betting app along with a web-based platform. 

A flurry of other properties hurried to submit their documents with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement by Monday.

Indeed, the only casino that does not appear to have submitted a bid is the Tropicana, which is in the process of being sold to Eldorado Resorts. The deal, announced earlier this year, is due to complete by the end of the year.

Eldorado did not respond to an emailed request by iGamingBusiness.com over its plans for the Tropicana, which is the state’s second biggest casino in terms of total gaming revenue.

According to the Associated Press, the Golden Nugget and Caesars’ three properties – Caesar’s Harrah’s and Bally’s – have applied for in-person and mobile sports betting.

Hard Rock, which is partnered with Bet365, is awaiting approval of its application.