Betting technology supplier Newgioco has secured a new sports betting deal in Washington DC, entering into a partnership with the Grand Central sports bar and Capo deli.
Under the agreement, Newgioco will provide ELYS platform for Grand Central to operate a sportsbook at its sport bar location in the Adams Morgan district and Capo deli site in Shaw.
The deal marks Newgioco’s second ELYS partnership in Washington D.C. after the provider last month also struck an agreement with Handle19, a sports bar chain planned by entrepreneur Shane August’s August Holding Corp.
“We are very pleased with the attention we received from Newgioco, not only in demonstrating the ELYS sports betting platform but also in thoroughly explaining the comprehensive nuances of running a sportsbook as an ancillary product within our hospitality businesses,” Grand Central founders Andy Seligman and Brian Vasile said.
“Additionally, the ELYS platform could be a perfect fit to replicate the feel of a traditional Italian betting venue in our Capo Italian deli providing the Shaw neighborhood residents a convenient place to drop in to place a wager on their favorite sports while picking up a sandwich.”
Newgioco chief executive Michele Ciavarella added: “We are looking forward to working closely with the teams from Grand Central along with the previously announced agreements with Handle 19, Fleetwood and the Northern Winz tribal casino in Montana, to develop their independently branded sportsbook offerings as a complement to their principal hospitality businesses.”
In January, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser approved the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act after the D.C. City Council voted through the legislation in December 2018.
Intralot was awarded a contract to operate lottery services and sports betting, but a court in September ruled to temporarily suspend the deal and delay the launch of a regulated market. The D.C. court ruling indicated there was a “substantial likelihood” a lawsuit alleging the deal violates federal law would succeed.
Mobile app developer Dylan Carragher filed the lawsuit against the District, arguing the deal violates the Home Rule Act that established the powers of Washington D.C.
Carragher — who has created a sports betting app of his own — said the no-bid nature of the Intralot deal “ultimately violates DC citizens’ rights to receive fair and competitive prices for the contractual services provided to the government.”
Under the agreement between Intralot and the D.C. Lottery, the supplier would have powered a citywide mobile offering, as well betting via lottery retailers. However, the contract would allow for businesses such as bars and stadia to apply for wagering licences.
Bars would be able to offer betting, while stadiums could roll out mobile betting, within a designated exclusivity zone around the venue. Monumental Sports and Entertainment, owner of the Capital One Arena, has already struck an agreement for in-venue and mobile wagering with William Hill.
However, D.C. sports wagering law states that licensees cannot run a sportsbook without also providing food and beverage and other offerings.
Once the regulated market launches, the D.C. Lottery plans to begin a licensing process to open up opportunities for more operators in the district.
Image: Architect of the Capitol