DraftKings Becomes Second Sportsbook Brand in Virginia

DraftKings has launched its mobile sportsbook app in Virginia, following FanDuel’s entry last week. BetMGM is also ready to roll out.

DraftKings Rolls Out Services in Virginia

DraftKings has launched its mobile sportsbook app in Virginia, just in time for Super Bowl LV. This makes DraftKings the second sportsbook brand to roll out in the state, the first one being FanDuel, which received a temporary betting license last week.

In a press release, DraftKings Co-Founder and CEO Jason Robins said that the operator was thrilled to launch in Virginia, especially with Super Bowl LV right on the horizon. Mr. Robins noted that the mobile app offers a wide variety of betting options for fans and a customer-first approach. DraftKings hopes to be the favored sportsbook for Virginians, he added.

According to a recent study conducted by DraftKings, Virginian sports fans are most likely to bet on the NFL, beating out the NBL and college football. By far the most popular football teams in Virginia are the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team. The latter is headquartered in the state but is engaged in Maryland.

Major Brands Competing For Market Licenses

The Washington Football Team is actually the reason why FanDuel managed to break into the Virginian market first. According to a statement from the Virginia Lottery, FanDuel’s application received preferential consideration due to the company’s ongoing partnership with the Washington Football Team.

FanDuel launched in the state last week, beating out over 20 applicants all vying to enter the new market. The company has clarified that all of its operations will debut online since the company will not invest in the traditional land-based industry.

BetMGM, the collaboration between Entain and MGM Resorts, will soon join the market as well. The operator has already been awarded a permit to roll out in Virginia, becoming the third sportsbook brand in the state.

In total, the Virginia Lottery can only approve 13 licenses, three of which have already been taken. This effectively means that not all major brands will have access to Virginia’s bustling market.