DraftKings CEO talks DFS’ progress
The executive said that daily fantasy sports will still grow despite sports betting’s expansion.
US.- Jason Robins, CEO and co-founder of DraftKings, discussed the growth of daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the United States and said that the recent legalisation of sports betting will not disrupt and cannibalise the DFS activity in the country.
Robins’ company was the first to launch an online and mobile sportsbook in New Jersey last month, along with Kambi and Resorts Casino Hotel, but the company is not solely focused on the new industry, as just a few days after that launch, the company announced a partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings, the sports bar chain, in order to offer exclusive DFS games.
“It’s a halo effect we’re seeing with sports betting and [DFS], not just in New Jersey but we’re seeing a big spike in customer re-activation for [DFS] across the board. The world changes quickly, and it’s hard to predict which way things are going to swing long-term. But I think [sports betting and fantasy sports] are complementary. Most people I know who play fantasy also bet. No one really sees one as a placement over the other. I think more people on our platform will create more activity.”
Robins told Fox Business that sports betting operations are significantly ahead of the company’s expectations: “We’re about 300 per cent ahead of where our target was,” he added. “It’s only New Jersey that has mobile betting now – two others have retail – I think it’s still largely black market.”
