It will be curious to see just what the limits to New Jersey's gaming market development are going to be, because at this point - and after such a year that calling it eventful would be an understatement - it just seems like there are none!
Radically more open and with a resurgent interest expressed by operators for it, NJ is readying to bid farewell to its best year in a long time. Sports betting liberalization, online gambling expansion and opening of two major casinos - Hard Rock and Ocean Resort - were the three turning points of 2018.
One of the most important providers of iGaming platforms that currently operates there, DraftKings, has announced the launch of their online casino catering for residents of this state, joining their already functional mobile app sportsbook.
The initiation of online casino services puts them under the same roof as some of the most esteemed names of the industry, like 888 and PokerStars who are already bearing fruits of success from making business in New Jersey.
DraftKings Casino was integrated seamlessly into DraftKings Sportsbook app. However, for the time being...
...the mobile platform is only reachable via Android devices. iOS app will be launched in the very near future and so will a variety of games - other than the only one currently live, which is Blackjack.
DraftKings who was originally a fantasy sports betting which provided a sturdy alternative to sports betting, are now delivering technical solutions for running both online and land-based casino business in several US jurisdictions beside New Jersey - quite in sync with this bit of news comes the revelation of details relating to sports betting take off in West Virginia, in conjunction with Penn National Gaming's Hollwyood Casino.
Commenting this milestone, co-founder of the company Matt Kalish said: "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."
DraftKings Casino is licensed under Resorts Atlantic City, same as the operator's sportsbook platform. And much like their industry peers, they too are diversifying by forming coalitions which were up until not so long ago very unlikely!
We are talking about numerous deal we've seen in recent weeks that involved betting groups and operators and professional sports leagues such as NBA, MLB and NFL.
Quite alike those, DraftKings signed a strategic partnership contract with Professional Fighters League early this week. The deal will make it possible for MMA fans and viewers to "immerse themselves in the sport" starting with with New Year's Eve PFL Championship.
Chief Business Officer at DraftKings, Ezra Kucharz, said: “Our partnership with the Professional Fighters League is another example of our dedication to innovation and our never-ending quest to expand our sports offerings.”
Source:
"DraftKings starts online casino in New Jersey", Niji Ng, europeangaming.eu, December 20th 2018
"DraftKings Prepares to Launch Sports Betting in West Virginia", draftkings.com, December 18th 2018