Affinity Interactive and Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG) have paired up in a multi-year agreement that would give GNOG access to the Missouri online gambling market when it opens.
The partnership gives GNOG rights to launch online sports betting and online casino gaming in Missouri, pending the passing of legislation to allow online gambling in the state and regulatory approvals, through licenses held for Affinity’s land-based casinos.
“We are thrilled to announce this agreement with Affinity Interactive ahead of highly anticipated online gaming legislation in Missouri. We look forward to a successful partnership with AI as we continue to expand access to our leading online gaming products across North America,” said Thomas Winter, president of GNOG.
Golden Nugget would pay Affinity Interactive a percentage of net gaming revenue in the state as part of the deal.
“We are excited that this new partnership will add to Affinity Interactive’s incredible offerings at Mark Twain Casino and St. Jo Frontier Casino in the state of Missouri. Golden Nugget Online Gaming has demonstrated its leadership in online gaming, and we’re confident that once online gaming is legalized for Missouri players, GNOG will deliver a spectacular product for our customers,” said Mary Beth Higgins, CEO of Affinity Interactive.
As it stands, Missouri has a number of bills in the works to legalize online gambling in the state. House Bill 2144 sets forth parameters for what constitutes sports betting and lays out licensing terms.
The bill proposes a $20,000 annual license fee plus a tax on gross receipts of 6.75%. To renew a license after five years, operators would pay a $10,000 fee. Proceeds would go to a Gaming Proceeds for Education Fund.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 674 was assigned to the Appropriations Committee after two readings. The legislation would permit sports wagering at Missouri’s riverboat casinos and via online betting platforms. Casino boats would be charged a $50,000 fee for approval.
If approved, each property could partner with up to three operators. Online-only operators, on the other hand, would pay a $10,000 application fee. Gross sports betting revenue would be taxed at 6.25%, and operators would also be required to pay an annual $50,000 fee to the Missouri Gaming Commission. The law also prohibits prop bets on college sports.
GNOG is set to be acquired by online betting and gaming giant DraftKings in a $1.56bn all-stock deal agreed in August that will see Tilman Fertitta join the DraftKings board.