DraftKings expands Dublin operations

The fantasy sports and sports betting operator DraftKings will open a new office in Dublin and is looking to hire more software engineers.

Ireland.- DraftKings, the US-based fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting operator, is set to expand its operations as it will open a new office in Dublin. The company will hire up to 30 software engineers to help with local operations.

Chief Technology Officer Travis Dunn explained that Dublin is one of Europe’s top tech hubs and has deep roots in sports betting and gaming, according to Irish Times. “Establishing roots in Dublin will allow us to provide more comprehensive coverage, respond quicker to issues and work in closer coordination with our international vendors, while recruiting the country’s world-class tech and gaming talent,” said Dunn.

Jack Murphy, who previously served as head of engineering excellence at Travelport will head the office in Dublin. He previously worked for Irish banking software company CR2.

DraftKings and Sportradar announce long-term partnership extension

DraftKings and Sportradar, the world’s leading global provider of sports data and content, have officially announced a long-term partnership extension whereby Sportradar will continue to be DraftKings’ supplier for data feeds and bet stimulation content.

As part of the extension, Sportradar will provide DraftKings with access to a variety of official sports data feeds, including the NFL, MLB, and the NBA for sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS).

Bookies get betting tax relief

Last month, Ireland introduced a new measure that will see relief from betting duty of €50k a calendar year for local bookies. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe says that this initiative will help small independent bookmakers in Ireland.

The measure establishes that bookmakers in the country won’t be subject to pay taxes on the first €50k in bets that they take in a year, Irish Times reported. Donohoe said that this was subject to EU state aid rules.

While the aid increases to €50k, the tax strategy group from the department had suggested €2 million a year to help those bookmakers compete against the leading operators like Ladbrokes or Paddy Power.