DraftKings has launched its SBTech-powered sportsbook in the Republic of Ireland.
The sports betting giant DraftKings has launched its SBTech-powered sports betting platform in the Republic of Ireland.
The launch of DraftKings in Ireland represents the operator’s first sports betting launch outside of the US market. This also marks the first DraftKings Sportsbook product built upon SBTech’s technology following the merger between the companies.
DraftKings launch sportsbook in Ireland
DraftKings soft-launched its Irish betting site last week and is expected to begin marketing its platform this week. The operator also plans to add an online casino offering to the site at a later date.
This is not DraftKings’ first product to launch in the Irish market. Back in 2017, the operator launched its daily fantasy sports product in Ireland.
The sports betting platform is registered by Crown Gaming Malta Ltd. DraftKings entered Ireland’s betting market after securing a remote bookmaker’s license from the Irish Tax and Customs office. These licences cost €10,000 and last for a two-year period.
DraftKings also opened up a new office in Dublin, which will house around 50 staff members and will be focused on software engineering.
The operator’s launch in Ireland is understood to be more of a testing domain for the DraftKings, as the operator is preparing to shift its sports betting operations from the Kambi platform to the SBTech system in the US.
In a statement on its new site, the operator said: “Headquartered in Boston with an engineering office in Dublin since 2019, DraftKings is proud to have both American and Irish DNA.”
Another move for DraftKings
DraftKings’ launch in Ireland added to a busy week for the operator after it made several big moves in the US sports betting market.
Last week, DraftKings announced a sports betting deal with MLB’s Chicago Cubs. Under the multi-year deal with the Cubs, DraftKings will become an official sports betting and daily fantasy partner of the team. The operator has also revealed plans to open a sportsbook facility at the team’s Wrigley Field Stadium.
Along with the Chicago Cubs deal, DraftKings also announced the opening of its second land-based sportsbook venue in the state of New Hampshire at the South Side Tavern sports bar in Manchester.
The sports betting giant also announced that NBA icon, Michael Jordan would be joining the operator as a special advisor in exchange for an equity interest in the company.
