The wall separating the major U.S. sports leagues and sports wagering world continues to crumble with the announcement of two new deals involving Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and sportsbook operator FanDuel.
FanDuel in its newly minted partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) has additionally refocused attention on what was its core business as it continues its efforts to establish itself in emerging Nevada-style sports betting marketplaces.
On Monday, the number two DFS company announced a multi-year partnership with the NHL, making FanDuel the “exclusive official daily fantasy partner and an official sports betting partner of the NHL.” The new deal also allows FanDuel customers to gain access to what it calls “special prizing,” such as VIP experiences to NHL major events including its All-Star Game and Winter Classic outdoor hockey game.
After a brief hiatus, ‘Get a Grip’ makes a triumphant return. It’s information overload everywhere, and there’s not time enough to sleep and eat and stay fully apprised of what’s happening on this crazy blue dot of ours (two out of three ain’t bad).
Here’s the weekend Sports Handle item, “Get a Grip,” recapping the week’s top stories, and rounding up key stories in sports betting, gaming, and the world of sports at large. You may have missed them, and they are worth reading.
Never a slow week these days as we count a half-dozen new deals this week bringing the pro sports leagues together with gaming and hospitality groups, and directly with sportsbook operators, unlike ever before. Times they are a changin’.
But first: More movement in Pennsylvania, where this Wednesday the state gaming control board granted three more sports wagering certificates. This trio joins fellow licensees Hollywood Casino and Parx Casino (and its South Philadelphia Turf Club). Some details about their immediate sportsbook plans:
– Harrah’s Philadelphia — Affiliated with Caesars Entertainment. The company is planning a renovation of an existing 4,322-square foot food and beverage area, which will include 40 flat-screen televisions, multiple odds boards, six teller windows, self-betting kiosks, two horse-racing terminals, and stadium-style seating.
– Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh — Aiming for a Dec. 1 launch of its retail sportsbook and early ‘19 for mobile-web platforms. Plans are to move the sportsbook to a permanent location in the center of the gaming floor, in the spring of 2019.
– SugarHouse Casino in the Philadelphia area — Has plans for a 1,800-square foot temporary sportsbook that will feature club chairs and table seating for 70 people, in addition to a 14-foot by 7-foot video wall. A dozen flat-screen televisions will be spread around the sportsbook and food and beverage service will be available.
The William Hill Sports Lounge, located outside Section 18 on the Main Concourse of Newark’s Prudential Center, is the latest major marketing foray executed by the rapidly expanding U.S. bookmaking operation, William Hill US announced on Thursday.
ESPN reports that because the NHL is not comfortable with the venue being an actual sportsbook in which bets can be placed at windows and kiosks, instead, “company ambassadors” will assist bettors in downloading William Hill‘s betting app to make wagers online.
No opening date for the remodeled and rebranded space has been announced.
The venue, to be open during all New Jersey Devils NHL games, has been created in partnership with the Devils and the Prudential Center and will feature more than 20 digital screens showcasing the world’s most popular sporting events and displaying odds and betting propositions. The William Hill Sports Lounge will be also be open during more than 175 concerts and special events held at the arena annually.