DraftKings set for West Virginia sportsbook launch

DraftKings is to roll out its online sports betting product for customers in West Virginia through a licensing agreement with Penn National Gaming.

The agreement with the land-based gaming operator’s Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races venue will allow DraftKings to deploy its mobile and online sports betting platform in the state, pending regulatory approvals.

“We are thrilled to work with Penn National Gaming to bring our online sportsbook product to West Virginia,” DraftKings chief revenue officer and co-founder Matt Kalish said.

“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,” Kalish continued. “With over 90% 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.”

The online roll-out in West Virginia will mark the second time DraftKings has launched an online offfering, with its Kambi-powered offering currently leading the New Jersey market. It has also launched retail sportsbooks in New Jersey and Mississippi.

It looks set to be among the first online sports books to go live in West Virginia. While the state permits land-based operators to offer online and mobile wagering, none have launched, with operators taking longer than anticipated to develop and test their products.

“We are pleased to help welcome DraftKings to West Virginia,” Penn National Gaming senior vice president of regional operations John Finamore said.

“We believe the state will certainly benefit from DraftKings' tremendous brand awareness and expertise in providing customers a quality online sports betting experience.”