DraftKings has launched land-based sports betting operations in the state of Colorado.
The daily fantasy provider turned multi-vertical gambling operator, DraftKings, and the land-based casino operator, Twin River Worldwide Holdings, have announced the opening of a temporary land-based sportsbook at the Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado.
After the venue was acquired by Twin River in January, DraftKings inked a sports betting market access deal with the land-based casino operator.
The DraftKings sportsbook
Guests will be able to place wagers in-person at the temporary sportsbook starting today (10 July). According to the announcement, the construction of a permanent sportsbook is on track to be completed by the start of football season.
The DraftKings-branded sportsbook will feature eight self-service betting kiosks, a cashier window, and several large-screen TVs.
Once the permanent sportsbook is completed it will feature a bar, a wall of TVs and a VIP lounge area.
Ezra Kucharz, DraftKings’ Chief Business Officer, said: “As our partners at Mardi Gras Casino work to expand their current operations and location, we are thrilled to come together to provide the most exciting, real-time gaming opportunities as sports begin to make their return.
“DraftKings and Mardi Gras Casino are committed to providing a safe, immersive and entertaining gaming environment to ensure sports fans in Colorado have the most enjoyable experience possible.”
George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Twin River said: “This partnership with DraftKings allows us to provide an unmatched sports betting experience to Coloradans, not only with their mobile betting access, but also with this exciting DraftKings retail sportsbook location. We are looking forward to introducing our guests to the fully renovated space in the coming months and until that time, are glad to be able to give our guests the ability to safely start placing bets as many professional sports begin to resume in the coming weeks.”
Sports betting in Colorado
The Centennial State narrowly legalized sports betting in November 2019 after voters approved the sports betting measure through a referendum.
Like New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Indiana, Colorado law allows sports bettors to register online accounts remotely from anywhere within state lines. When it comes to in-person wagering, only three towns in the state have been granted approval to offer in-person betting.
Colorado’s sports betting market went live on 1 May with the launch of four sportsbooks during the coronavirus pandemic. On 1 May, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM launched their online sportsbooks in the state. Monarch Casino Resort’s launched its BetMonarch app on 14 May, followed by Fox Bet a week later.
According to Colorado’s Department of Revenue, Colorado’s sports betting handle hit $25.5m in the first month of legal sports betting in the state despite a lack of sporting events to bet on.
