DraftKings launches sportsbook in Ireland

The new sportsbook is the operator’s first outside of the US.

Ireland.- US sports betting operator DraftKings has launched an Ireland-licensed online sportsbook as the first international test of its new in-house platform provider, SBTech.

Sportsbook.draftkings.ie is the operator’s first sportsbook outside of the US.

Operated by Crown Gaming Malta under a remote bookmaking license issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the site was given a soft launch last week.

DraftKings is powering the site with SBTech, its new in-house platform provider acquired before it launched its IPO this year.

That makes the new site something of a test for the platform as DraftKings prepares to shift its other operations from Kambi over the next year. 

The site offers some local options for betting, with hurling and Gaelic football added to the mix.

Draftkings is also reported to be planning to eventually build on an online casino – something that is not currently legally permitted under Ireland’s current gambling legislation.

DraftKings has a history of choosing Ireland for its international launches. Back in 2017, it chose Ireland to launch its first international market for daily fantasy sports operations.

It opened its first international base in Dublin and has since expanded the office to accommodate more of its technology team in the city.

Meanwhile in its native US, DraftKings last week opened its second retail sportsbook in New Hampshire through its partnership with the New Hampshire Lottery.

The opening follows the launch of its sportsbook at The Brook casino in Seabrook.