On Thursday 25 July, DraftKings announced that it had struck a multi-year agreement to become an “Authorized Gaming Operator of Major League Baseball (MLB).”
Back in November 2018, MLB named MGM Resorts as an “official gaming partner,” but this new deal with DraftKings is very different from the MGM partnership.
The new deal focuses on official league data and marketing material whereas MGM was given exclusive access to “enhanced statistics.”
What’s included in the deal?
As an “Authorized Gaming Operator,” of MLB, DraftKings will be given the rights to use official MLB data to help enhance wagering offerings for live, in-play betting.
DraftKings will also be able to use official MLB logos and marketing material within its official sports betting products.
Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer at DraftKings said: “DraftKings is proud to be designated as a Major League Baseball Authorized Gaming Operator.
“This deal speaks to the commitment we have to our customers and sports leagues alike while providing the safest and most entertaining American-made sportsbook. As a result of this agreement, our customers will experience enhanced live wagering offerings for all MLB games.”
Kenny Gersh, MLB Executive Vice President, Gaming & New Business Ventures said: “Given DraftKings’ successes in driving fan engagement and immersive experiences, we’re looking forward to an expanded partnership and further collaboration on engaging products.
“Buoyed by our collective commitments to drive innovation in the US sports betting marketplace, the tools provided to DraftKings – including fast, rich and reliable data feeds and MLB brand marks – will be central to creating these powerful new ways to consume and connect with our sport.”
DraftKings and Major League Baseball
DraftKings and MLB have business ties dating back to 2013 when MLB became the first major US sports league to invest in DraftKings when it was a daily fantasy sports startup company.
In 2015, DraftKings became the “Official Daily Fantasy Game” of MLB.
The operator is also partnered with several MLB teams, several of these partnerships are still in effect, with DraftKings logos being displayed in ballparks and on digital platforms.
Elsewhere in the US
Elsewhere in the US, North Carolina’s Governor signed a sports betting bill into law. The bill allows the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to operate land-based sportsbooks in the state.
DraftKings’ competitor FanDuel has completed testing of its sports betting site and app in Pennsylvania and has been given the green light to serve the Keystone State.
The Indiana Gaming Commission has also released a list of approved sporting events that punters will be able to bet on once sports betting goes live in the state.
