DraftKings looks nationwide after NJ mobile launch
DraftKings says it is ready to take its mobile betting platform across the US after becoming the first operator to launch legal online and mobile sports betting in New Jersey.
The company, which began a soft launch last week, is now live with its Kambi-powered DraftKings Sportsbook through its partnership with Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.
After beating the likes of MGM Resorts’ playMGM, William Hill and Paddy Power Betfair – which now owns FanDuel – in the first-to-market stakes, DraftKings said it is “prepared to act” in response to future legislative decisions in other states across the country. It cited its recent partnership with the del Lago Resort & Casino in New York state, which enables both partners to create a mobile and online sports wagering option should legislation allow, as an example of its preparations.
“I am excited to begin this new chapter in our story by officially launching what I believe to be the most innovative, mobile sports betting product in the US,” said Jason Robins, CEO and co-founder of DraftKings.
“We have put immense thought and significant resources behind the development of DraftKings Sportsbook and I’m confident that sports fans in New Jersey will enjoy using it to make the experience of watching the games even more interesting and thrilling.”
DraftKings said the launch is the culmination of almost a year of preparation, with “countless engineering, design, research and development resources all geared towards creating the best and most enjoyable mobile sports betting product for US consumers”.
Last week’s soft launch, agreed with New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), saw the sportsbook initially accept a few dozen patrons which then grew to hundreds and thousands.
Speaking about the platform, Kambi CEO Kristian Nylen told iGamingBusiness.com: “With DraftKings now up and running, we look forward to launching more of our customers into New Jersey shortly, before taking our sportsbook into additional states as they open up.”
All eyes will be on the DGE’s monthly gambling audit for August, due to be released in the first half of September, when online sports betting figures will be published for the first time. Figures for July will be published on August 14.
DraftKings’ rivals, such as William Hill, FanDuel, playMGM and The Stars Group’s BetStars, are all expected to be live with their online sportsbooks before the start of the NFL season on September 6.