The DraftKings online gambling platform may have been passed off as “just another virtual sports betting site” by some, but that isn’t stopping it from expanding and making its own mark on the industry. Instead, the platform has announced two new steps – its growth into West Virginia, where it will provide mobile sports betting to the state, and the launch of its first online casino in the state of New Jersey.
The virtual sports betting platform that it currently offers is highly popular with bettors already, but it will now provide online sports betting options via both mobile and desktop platforms in West Virginia. This will all take place via the Hollywood Casino based in Charles Town Races in the state, which is owned by Penn National Gaming (PNG). The launch is expected to take place once regulatory approvals have come through.
The Chief Revenue Officer of DraftKings, Matt Kalish spoke of the company being “thrilled” to partner up with PNG, noting that he is confident that the DraftKings brand can step forward and become the “best place to play” when it comes to gamers in West Virginia.
It was the Hollywood Casino that became the first in the state of West Virginia to provide sports betting, which occurred back in August. It was able to do so by linking up with William Hill’s US branch. Up to three branded online sportsbooks – and mobile apps – can be licensed to provide such services within West Virginia.
Taking Another Step Forward with Casino Gaming
Yet, it wasn’t only the launch of the sports betting options in West Virginia that DraftKings were pleased about. Instead, the brand spoke of the opening of a new online casino – the company’s first-ever – in New Jersey. This stands out as a key moment in the brand’s decision to go from simply providing daily fantasy sports to becoming an all-round online gambling operator.
For the moment, the New Jersey online casino only features a single game, which exists in the form of blackjack. And while it is considered to be an online casino, it can only be played through the Android app, making it more of a mobile casino for the time being. Yet, things are not set to remain this way with DraftKings’s casino offering.
Instead, the company has promised that it is hard at work to bring the residents of New Jersey a larger collection of games, as well as launch a secondary app for iOS users. Additionally, a desktop version of its casino is expected to become accessible in the future, although for now, a date has not been set for this to take place.
All in all, it seems as though everyone wants a piece out of the US gambling market. Since the announcement of legal sports betting across the country, gamblers are hoping for much more liberalisation of the industry within their own states. Time will tell if this can be made into a reality, though.
