DraftKings has become the second sports betting brand to launch in Virginia, with BetMGM securing a license ahead of its own rollout in the state.
The launch under a temporary sports betting permit sees Virginia become the twelfth state in which DraftKings’ mobile sportsbook app is live. Kambi, the operator’s outgoing sportsbook technology provider, has been licensed as a supplier in the state.
“Just in time for Super Bowl LV, we are thrilled to bring the DraftKings sports betting experience to Virginia with an abundance of betting options for fans,” the operator’s co-founder and chief executive Jason Robins said.
“With our customer-first approach, we hope to be the sportsbook of choice for Virginians who enjoy having skin in the game.”
Consumer research carried out by DraftKings suggests that Virginia sports fans are most likely to bet on the National Football League (NFL), followed by the National Basketball Association (NBA) then college football.
The Washington Football Team, which is headquartered in the state but plays in Maryland, and the Dallas Cowboys are the state’s most favored NFL teams, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards the most popular in the NBA.
It becomes the second sports betting brand to launch in the state, after FanDuel became the first to secure a temporary permit last week. This saw Virginia become the first state to launch sports betting in 2021, just ahead of Michigan.
FanDuel’s application was given “substantial and preferred consideration” due to its partnership with Washington Football Team, the Virginia Lottery said.
A third brand is set to follow DraftKings and FanDuel. BetMGM, the joint venture between MGM Resorts and Entain, has also been awarded a permit ahead of its launch.
Virginia’s enabling legislation allows for up to 12 mobile brands to launch, with licensees to pay a $250,000 fee for their permit. The tax rate has been set at 15% of gross revenue.