DraftKings has partnered with the parent company of Foxwoods for sports betting in the state of Connecticut.
The sports betting giant DraftKings has partnered with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, operator of Foxwoods Resort Casino, to launch online and land-based sports betting in Connecticut.
The partnership
Under the agreement, DraftKings will launch online and land-based sports betting in Connecticut therefore expanding its presence in New England and the Connecticut, New Jersey and New York Tri-State area.
Matt Kalish, co-founder and President of DraftKings North America said: “This is a landmark deal in collaboration with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as well as a critical next step to bringing America’s top-rated sportsbook app to sports fans in Connecticut.
“The national expansion of regulated sports betting is among our top strategic priorities. DraftKings today is live with mobile sports betting in 10 states, more than any other operator in the US, and teaming up with the tribe will allow us to extend our reach even further.”
Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, said: “We’ve proven our ability to shape the future of gaming time and time again, and now we’re ready to drive sports wagering and online gaming for the state of Connecticut. Working through the tribal gaming compacts, we will help bolster our economy with much-needed revenue and virtual entertainment.”
DraftKings will also become Foxwoods’ first-ever partner for daily fantasy sports (DFS). The operator plans to launch DFS in the state on 13 December along with online promotions and contests.
Jason Guyot, interim chief executive and president at Foxwoods said: “Offering daily fantasy sports allows us to bring a new type of compelling and interactive online experience to our passionate sport fans.
“By combining Foxwoods’ 29-year gaming legacy with DraftKings’ deep digital expertise, we’re well positioned to continue leading gaming advancements in the region and beyond.”
Sports betting in Connecticut
Connecticut has yet to legalise sports wagering, however, the vertical is expected to generate $175m in new revenue for the state in the first five years of operation.
Foxwoods holds the exclusive right to offer gambling services in the state alongside the Mohegan Tribe, another tribal gambling operator. This means that Foxwoods will play a key role in the future of the state’s betting market.
Earlier this year, the tribes in Connecticut attempted to secure temporary approval to launch online gambling during the period their venues were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, these attempts were unsuccessful with Governor Ned Lamont rejecting the requests in April.
