DraftKings inks Puerto Rico expansion deal with Mashantucket Pequot tribe
Connecticut sports betting partners link up on retail sportsbook deal
DraftKings has agreed a deal to expand its existing relationship with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to include an online and retail sportsbook launch in Puerto Rico.
The duo, which have operated a retail and online sportsbook at the Foxwoods casino in Connecticut since October 2021, will cooperate to launch a sportsbook in the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, located in the Puerto Rican capital.
The Foxwoods El San Juan Casino is currently undergoing a $137.5m renovation which includes the reopening of the Tropicoro entertainment venue.
DraftKings retail sportsbook will be located inside the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and is expected to open in the coming weeks, pending receipt of applicable licenses and regulatory approvals.
Once complete, the space will feature a massive video wall, bar, and dining services, two over-the-counter ticket windows, and six betting kiosks.
It is understood DraftKings has already applied to the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission for a license to operate its online sportsbook and app.
DraftKings president of North America and co-founder Matt Kalish welcomed the expansion of the duo’s existing relationship into the new market.
“Since establishing our relationship with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods more than a year ago, we’ve seen immense success, which can be attributed to the collaborative efforts between the organizations and shared vision for providing customers with the very best,” Kalish said.
“Puerto Rico is known for its rich and vibrant sports culture, and we look forward to being able to provide fans with a safe and legal form of sports betting through our retail and online sportsbooks,” he added.
Puerto Rico triggered a sports betting licensing process in November 2021, with licenses being valid for just one year.
Verticals on offer include esports betting, tournament betting, sports betting on events involving a majority of participants over the age of 18, and, controversially, cockfighting which is legal.
Events which fall outside of the commission’s scope of operations must be individually approved.
When this does occur, the operator must impose a betting limit of no more than $100 and a win limit of $500.
Licensing fees for a principal operator or internet wagering platform start at $50,000 (£36,000) and are payable annually. So-called ‘satellite licenses’, or ‘point-of-sale licenses’, start at $2,500 and are also payable annually.
BetMGM was one of the first US sportsbook operators to expand into Puerto Rico and recently took bets from players on Super Bowl LVI.