Make it three states with sports betting operations for FanDuel Sportsbook.
Sources told Playin Pennsylvania on Friday that the ever-expanding sportsbook, with footprints already in New Jersey and West Virginia, will make Valley Forge Casino its Pennsylvania home.
While Valley Forge has not actually submitted a sports betting application, it is clear one is on the way. Even so, it is unlikely a hearing on an application will happen at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). The earliest on-schedule hearing after that is Oct. 2.
Per PGCB regulations, sports betting applications need to be submitted 90 days in advance of the launch of operations. The PGCB could shorten that timeline with quick approval though. If things go smoothly, the FanDuel Sportsbook could go live in November or December.
FanDuel reaches into PA via Boyd
The newly created American arm of Paddy Power Betfair, FanDuel Group currently operates in New Jersey. The site partnered with Meadowlands Racetrack and launched a brick and mortar book in June. The group’s FanDuel Sportsbook also has two partnerships with casinos in West Virginia, which launched sports betting this week.
FanDuel’s entrance into the Keystone State comes courtesy of a deal with Boyd Gaming at the beginning of the month.
According to a statement from PPB at the time, FanDuel Group will “gain market access” for its sportsbook and online gaming products in states, except for Nevada, where Boyd holds gaming licenses. In return, Boyd will receive technology “and related services” to operate Boyd-branded mobile and online sports betting.
Strong step forward for FanDuel
In a joint statement with Boyd, FanDuel’s “entered into a strategic partnership to pursue sports betting and online gaming opportunities across the United States.”
Boyd president and CEO Keith Smith said, thanks to the partnership, his properties “will be positioned to build market-leading sports-betting and online gaming operations in each state.”
“With more than 40 years of experience, Boyd Gaming is a leader in the gaming and entertainment space, and a natural partner as we continue to build a leading position in the sports betting market,” FanDuel Group CEO Matt King said at the time. “There is incredible momentum in the sports betting space and we look forward to partnering with Boyd Gaming to bring the FanDuel Sportsbook to more customers across the United States.”
Valley Forge is only authorized to boast one mobile sportsbook. That book will need to prominently feature the property’s name as well. Expect FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge or something similar when it eventually launches.
