FanDuel, which got its start as an online sports gambling platform, is expanding from the virtual to the physical world. Things are only getting started and there is much more to be seen, but the company is actively seeking out new ways to grab a large piece of the market. Thanks to a partnership with Boyd Gaming, FanDuel is now starting to see physical sportsbooks pop up across the U.S., including the launch of four new venues in Indiana and Iowa.
FanDuel first connected with Boyd in August of last year, setting in motion the company’s entry into the U.S. market. The partnership gave Boyd access to FanDuel’s online products with the understanding that physical sportsbooks would ultimately be launched in legal states where Boyd has a presence. That’s a hefty portfolio that currently includes 15 states.
Keith Smith, the CEO for Boyd, is excited about the opportunities FanDuel is provided. With this week’s launch, he said that the two companies will “continue to successfully capitalize on the historic opportunity afforded by the legalization and expansion of sports betting in new states across the country,” adding that he is confident that the relationship will become even more lucrative. In addition to these four physical sportsbook launches, Boyd and FanDuel have four more on tap.
That’s only the beginning. Once Indiana and Iowa decide to allow mobile sportsbooks, the partnership is already poised to launch online operations. They have a mobile app functioning in Pennsylvania and it can easily be adapted to new jurisdictions.
FanDuel’s CEO, Matt King, is just as excited as Smith. He said of the new Indiana and Iowa operations, “[Working] with Boyd Gaming to open four Sportsbooks across Iowa and Indiana in such a short timeframe is an incredible achievement and something our retail team is proud of. Boyd Gaming continues to be a key partner as we further expand our offerings nationwide by bringing FanDuel’s first-class sports betting experience to the Midwest.”