Virginia Gets More Competition With FanDuel Sportsbook At DC United Stadium
In anticipation of the upcoming legalization of sports betting in Virginia, DC United and FanDuel Sportsbook have joined forces to introduce heightened competition in the northern region.
A retail sportsbook will be opened at Audi Field in Washington, DC, by the Major League Soccer team and the renowned sportsbook giant.
The opening of the in-stadium sportsbook is scheduled for 2021.
FanDuel, a leading sportsbook operator in the country, has entered into a 10-year agreement with the MLS team, making them the official sports betting partner of DC United as part of their broader collaboration.
DC United will reportedly be receiving an annual fee as well as a portion of every bet placed at the retail facility, which adds an intriguing element to the deal.
More on DC United and FanDuel deal
DC United ended their agreement with Caesars Entertainment to accommodate FanDuel, a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment. Consequently, the team will no longer feature the Caesars logo on their jerseys.
According to Sam Porter, the Chief Strategy Officer of DC United, FanDuel aligns better with the team’s culture.
Porter expressed enthusiasm in partnering with a top-notch operator in this thrilling new venture, stating, “The FanDuel Sportsbook is unparalleled, and we are confident that their expertise, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional product will offer our fans, Audi Field guests, and the Buzzard Point community a wide range of entertainment choices.”
In the release, FanDuel CEO, Matt King, expresses his thoughts.
As we further extend our presence across the country, collaborating with one of MLS’ most renowned clubs enables us to introduce America’s top sportsbook to the capital city. By joining forces with DC United, we aim to enhance the fan experience at Audi Field and offer the DMV area an in-person sports gaming experience that is cherished and enjoyed in other regions of the United States through FanDuel.
FanDuel Sportsbook already big around the country
At present, FanDuel runs 12 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks across nine states. Moreover, it offers mobile sports betting services in seven states within the US.
FanDuel is still awaiting the issuance of a license and regulatory approval from the DC Lottery, the governing body responsible for sports betting in the district.
Once Audi Field is properly secured, it has the potential to become a highly sought-after destination for betting, both on game days and beyond. The presence of the Audi Field sportsbook, which would operate on both game days and non-game days, along with the inclusion of retail windows and self-service kiosks, ensures a steady flow of business for the sportsbook throughout the year.
We have already established that sports bettors are willing to go the extra mile, even enduring queues, just to steer clear of Washington, DC’s sole online sportsbook.
DC sports betting market
Online sports betting operators are expected to launch in Virginia by January, marking the beginning of the state’s sports betting industry. Prior to the establishment of William Hill’s retail location at Capital One Arena, DC lacked significant competition in the field.
In the district, only Gambet (DC), a product offered by the DC Lottery, is authorized as the exclusive online sportsbook.
Currently, the William Hill retail location stands as the sole alternative sportsbook. Nevertheless, the monthly handle at the WH shop in Capital One Arena has already exceeded GambetDC’s. Moreover, there are plans underway for an even more impressive iteration of the retail venue.
In Washington, DC, GambetDC holds the exclusive Class A license while William Hill possesses a Class B license. DC United, FanDuel, and Handle19, a sportsbook-themed restaurant in DC, are also vying to obtain this coveted license.
Despite the potential advantages, FanDuel’s possible placement at Audi Field should offer some strategic benefits. This is evident from the team’s impressive average of around 18,000 fans per game (before the pandemic). Moreover, its location is sufficiently distant from Capital One Arena, ensuring minimal impact on each other’s business.
Nevertheless, the DC sports betting market is facing a surge in competition as Virginia sportsbooks are set to launch soon. Adding to this, Maryland voters have the opportunity to legalize sports betting in their state on Election Day next week.
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