FanDuel is increasing the pace of its sports betting expansion with the Keystone State reportedly being the next venture for the ambitious sports book operator. Sources close to the company have recently revealed that the company which already has footprints in New Jersey and West Virginia will be partnering with Valley Forge Casino for a sports betting offering in Pennsylvania.
Valley Forge Casino is yet to submit an official application to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) for a sports betting license but if these reports hold up, then it is only a matter of time before it does – better late than never, right? There is still a little more time since it is very unlikely that the state regulator’s September 12 meeting will involve a hearing on sports betting license – the issue is more likely to be picked up during the October 12 meeting and maybe by then, Valley Forge will have already applied for the license.
Also, as per the regulations stipulated by the gaming regulator, the sports betting applications should be submitted 90 days before the launch of the operations. However, it is possible that the PGCB will shorten the timeline with quick approval to ensure that more operators get the time to prepare adequately. As such, if the everything goes well then, the FanDuel-Valley Forge Casino sportsbook could go live either in November or December. The operators that have already applied for the sports betting licenses are presumably also preparing appropriately for this.
Partnership with Boyd
FanDuel has already established a presence in the Keystone State courtesy of a recent partnership deal with Boyd Gaming. The partnership will see the FanDuel Group “gain market access” for its sportsbook and online gaming products in a number of states save for Nevada where a conflict of interest would arise since Boyd happens to hold gaming licenses in the state.
Boyd, on the other hand, will benefit from FanDuel’s technology and other “related services that will be useful in its operation of Boyd-branded mobile and online sports betting. The partnership will further ensure that Boyd is “will be positioned to build market-leading sports-betting and online gaming operations in each state.”
“With more than 40 years of experience, Boyd Gaming is a leader in the gaming and entertainment space, and a natural partner as we continue to build a leading position in the sports betting market,” FanDuel Group CEO Matt King said. “There is incredible momentum in the sports betting space and we look forward to partnering with Boyd Gaming to bring the FanDuel Sportsbook to more customers across the United States.”
