The abundance of attention DraftKings Sportsbook has attracted as a new entry into the sports betting space is befitting of a product with a prominent, nationwide presence.
Up to this point, DraftKings has generated all that momentum as a digital-only offering in a single state. However, its profile is set to grow before the calendar flips to December.
First, DraftKings will expand to its first jurisdiction outside of New Jersey on Friday. That day marks the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar location ever, at Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’lberville, MS.
But as with all things sports betting in a post-PASPA landscape, the company’s original Garden State hub won’t be far behind.
Later this month, Resorts Casino Hotel expects to open the doors to its own physical DraftKings Sportsbook location, pending approval from the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Anyone who is at least 21 years of age, has a valid United States Social Security Number and is physically within the state of New Jersey can bet with DraftKings Sportsbook in NJ. Sports betting in New Jersey is regulated by the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). With that, New Jersey has regulations that may differ from other states. DraftKings launches its brand partnerships division. August 2016: DK Live launches – a full content site dedicated to all things fantasy sports. May 2018: PASPA DAY: On May 14, the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the federal ban on sports gambling. August 2018: Bet on it: DraftKings launches its Sportsbook app.
“We are proud to partner with an industry leader in sports betting and open an innovative sports betting experience that only DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts will offer,” said Mark Giannantonio, president and CEO, Resorts Casino Hotel.
“Once completed, the new on-property retail space will bring an immersive and entertaining gaming experience for our guests and sports fans alike, ensuring the best sports betting scene in Atlantic City.”
As with DraftKings Sportsbook’s digital version, the Resorts location will feature “multiple sports and wagering options, such as live, in-game betting.”
The press release announcing the forthcoming grand opening specified the location will feature five betting windows and an additional 12 kiosks. It will boast a total of 5,000 square feet of space.
And, in the spirit of new-era sports betting “lounges,” the Resorts version of DraftKings Sportsbook will spare no expense when it comes to physical amenities.
The location will feature ultra high-definition videowalls, a VIP area and stadium-style seating complete with charging ports.
Furthermore, bettors will be able to avail themselves of some sustenance for those daylong betting sweats via a full bar with food and beverage service and bar-top electronic slots.
DraftKings has taken a deliberate approach to its sports betting-related rollouts.
For example, they’ve operated at a slower pace than fellow daily fantasy sports (DFS) and now sports betting rival FanDuel. FanDuel already has physically branded locations at West Virginia’s Greenbrier Resortand Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.
While FanDuel has gotten a head start on the brick-and-mortar front, DraftKings–utilizing one of the Resorts’ online licenses–has already established its dominance on the digital end of the New Jersey sports betting market.
Resorts reported September revenues of $8.5 million, making it tops in the Garden State for that period. DraftKings Sportsbook was responsible for a significant portion of that figure.
It repeated the feat in October during what was a down month for revenue for New Jersey bookmakers, as they once again led the online sports betting category with just under a $5.1 million hold.
The detailed approach aims to extend what has been an impressive initial foray into an industry the DFS industry leader previously had no experience.
“We’ve been working for months with the team at Resorts to make sure the DraftKings retail sportsbook meets the highest bar for quality and customer experience,” said MattKalish, chief revenue officer and co-founder of DraftKings.
“We are tremendously excited to launch our first physical presence in the state with such a trusted partner and to service their loyal patrons.”