888 doubles down on US market with Virginia SI sportsbook launch

888 has confirmed the launch of its Sports Illustrated (SI) sportsbook brand in the Virginian sports betting market.

The launch represents the second US state in which the SI Sportsbook is now live, following the earlier debut of the brand in Colorado in September last year.

As part of its Virginia launch, 888 has partnered with Virtual Entertainment Partners (VEP), a Virginia-based small, certified company operating with 100% African American female ownership.

Utilizing VEP’s local expertise, 888 has committed to making significant contributions to communities across Virginia, specifically minority communities with the aim of advancing local causes.

888 has committed to rolling out the SI sportsbook platform into further states over the next month, with the operator enacting a broadbase program to integrate tools, feeds, and widgets into online content offered by its US partner, media giant Sports Illustrated.

The next expected launch is in Michigan where 888 intends to launch its B2B poker offering pending regulatory approval.

In March, CEO Itai Pazner claimed that 888 would look to launch the sportsbook in between 12 and 15 US states over the medium to long-term period.

Newly appointed 888 president of the US Howard Mittman, who is charged with overseeing the rollout of the sportsbook, welcomed the second state launch.

“We are delighted to launch SI Sportsbook in Virginia. Following the success of its debut launch in Colorado last September, this is an important milestone for both ourselves and our partners,” Mittman explained.

“With its growing base of sports betting fans, we believe that Virginia will play a significant role in the continued development of the SI Sportsbook over the coming months.

“Expanding further in the US market is an important part of our ambition to become a global online betting and gaming leader, and we look forward to introducing the brand to players across the state,” he added.