US sports betting operator DraftKings has launched a licensed online sports betting service in Ireland through its new platform provider, SBTech.
The platform launches this week, being operated by Crown Gaming Malta Ltd under a remote bookmaker license issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. The website marks DraftKings’ first launch outside of the US base.
At the moment, the site is entirely dedicated to sports hunches with some local options (Gaelic football, hurling). But it is believed that the integration of an online casino will occur. This is not technically permitted, given Ireland’s inability to update its gaming legislation.
The platform is powered by SBTech, which DraftKings acquired this year before its initial public offering. The site is also a test of DraftKings’ ability to change its betting operations from its current platform provider Kambi, which will officially break ties in a year.
As such, the company is evaluating the outcome of the initiative, as an attack took some SBTech customers offline for several weeks this spring. Ireland was also the first international market that DraftKings chose to launch daily fantasy sports operations in 2017.
The company also opened its first international office in Dublin, which has recently been expanded to accommodate a growing Irish team focused on the technology behind sports betting operations.
DraftKings continues to grow in the U. S.
DraftKings reported yet another expansion in the United States, through the opening of its second retail betting service in New Hampshire.
In addition, the Manchester branch is now taking bets at the South Side Tavern through a partnership with the New Hampshire Lottery. Recalling that DraftKings opened its first retail bet in the state last month.
Meanwhile, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins will be attending several conferences to publicize his company’s plans. Robins is expected to speak at the SBC Summit Barcelona on September 8, a Goldman Sachs conference with takeover companies on the 9th and at a Bank of America 2020 gaming and hosting event on 17 September.
