MLB and FanDuel reach sports betting deal
The bookmaker FanDuel is the latest company in the US to reach a sports betting deal with Major League Baseball (MLB).
US.- Sports betting keeps growing in the United States and companies are seeking partnerships in order to maximise the benefits. FanDuel is the latest company to have reached a sports betting deal with an American sports league. The company announced on Thursday a multi-year agreement that makes the sportsbook operator the official gaming partner of the Major League Baseball (MLB).
While FanDuel has already partnered with other sports leagues in the US, such as the NBA and NHL, this is the first deal between MLB and FanDuel. The latter has permission to use official league data and logos in online and retail sportsbooks.
In-play wagering accounts for more than 50% of FanDuel Sportsbook’s total business. The MLB and FanDuel join forces to enhance the latter’s in-play and overall sports betting and experience, the companies said.
FanDuel sees the partnership as a natural move
“Fantasy sports and sports betting have become a national pastime in their own right, so it’s natural to join forces with Major League Baseball,” said Kip Levin, President & COO, FanDuel Group. “MLB clearly understands how working together can be beneficial for baseball fans and both companies alike.”
“FanDuel has proven itself to be a leader in the sports betting space and has shifted a step ahead again through its commitment to, and recognition of, the value in being an authorized gaming operator,” said Kenny Gersh, MLB Executive Vice President, Gaming & New Business Ventures. “Now having access to our official sports betting data feeds and MLB brands, we’re looking forward to the creative sports betting and fan experience innovations FanDuel will develop.”
“Baseball is one of the most popular sports to bet on and partnering with MLB allows us to make the betting experience even better for our customers,” continued Levin. “With an enhanced betting experience, sports fans are watching more baseball as they have a stake in the game.”
