DraftKings picks up sports betting lobbying efforts in MA
Operator has kicked off a PR campaign and expects to increase lobbying in January 2019
DraftKings has kicked off a PR and advocacy campaign in its home state of Massachusetts to drum up support for sports betting legislation in the state.
The operator has been contacting customers around recent New England Patriots games and the World Series, with messages like: “This is exactly what you’re missing out on. One bettor, for example, won $325,000 after betting on the Red Sox to win the World Series.”
The firm said it expects to increase its lobbying efforts when lawmakers return to the Massachusetts legislature in January.
“DraftKings is looking forward to lending our expertise and insight as a sports betting operator when the legislature takes up sports betting in 2019,” the company said in a statement.
“Legal, regulated mobile sports betting provides the best mechanism to not only protect consumers, but to eliminate illegal offshore gambling, ensure game integrity, generate new revenue for the Commonwealth and fuel the growth of Massachusetts’ sports-tech sector.”
Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker said the issue “worth analyzing” and would be discussed next session.
A report from the state’s Gaming Commission estimated sports betting could bring in up to $61.3 million in tax revenue each year.
DraftKings was the market leader in New Jersey in September with around two third of the state’s online betting revenues. CEO Jason Robins said the company was running 300-400% above internal expectations.