Virginia: FanDuel sportsbook first to launch
FanDuel has become the first sportsbook to launch in the Virginia sports betting market through its partnership with the NFL’s Washington Football Team
US.- Sports betting has officially launched in Virginia, with FanDuel’s sportsbook the first to go live.
The sports betting brand received approval from the Virginia Lottery in the form of a temporary license after its partnership with the NFL’s Washington Football Team was accepted.
After sports betting was approved in the state in 2020, state regulations gave Virginia based pro-sports teams “substantial and preferred consideration” to open sportsbooks.
The NFL’s Washington Football Team partnered with FanDuel in order to open a sportsbook and take prompt advantage of a new market estimated to be worth $412m.
Other sportsbooks are expected to join the market soon. MGM, Draft Kings, Barstool Sports, Wynn and others have also applied for licences.
Virginia Lottery spokesman John Hagerty said other licences would be handed out before the Super Bowl on February 7.
He said: “We anticipate more than one sportsbook will be in position to begin accepting legal wagers from Virginians in time for the Super Bowl on Feb. 7th.”
Other preparations for sports betting in the state include an amendment to the sports betting bill which was approved by a subcommittee earlier this week.
The amendment paves the way for five more online-only licences plus wagering on Olympic events.
