BetMGM

DraftKings has announced the next stage of sportsbook expansions across the United States, after reaching an agreement to commence with operations in West Virginia, pending regulatory approvals.

Reaching a licensing agreement with an affiliate of Penn National Gaming, the operator of Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia, the Mountain State is to become the second US territory within which DraftKings is to offer an online sportsbook.

West Virginia became the fifth state to offer legal sports betting in August of this year, following the lead of Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey and Mississippi, with sports fans set to gain access to DraftKings’ mobile and online sports betting platform.

“We are pleased to help welcome DraftKings to West Virginia,” commented John Finamore, vice president of regional operations for Penn National Gaming. “We believe the state will certainly benefit from DraftKings’ tremendous brand awareness and expertise in providing customers a quality online sports betting experience.”

DraftKings states that its sportsbook is to offer “a superior and engaging online sports betting experience,” including live and in-game betting, alongside the opportunity to wager on major and niche international and US sports, as well as new features such as sportsbook pools for the NFL, NBA and NHL.

The latest step in the organisations US sportsbook footprint builds upon its current offering online within New Jersey, as well as occupying a part of the retail space with both the Garden State and Mississippi.

Matt Kalish, chief revenue officer and co-founder of DraftKings, explained: “We are thrilled to work with Penn National Gaming to bring our online sportsbook product to West Virginia. We look forward to serving sports fans in the Mountain State, and building on the immense success we have had in leading the New Jersey market.

“With over 90 percent of sports bettors returning to play after trying DraftKings Sportsbook, we are confident we can deliver on being the best place to play for West Virginia consumers.”