DraftKings signs Giants partnership in New York mobile betting preparation

DraftKings is preparing for mobile betting in New York by signing an exclusive sponsorship deal with NFL franchise the New York Giants.

As part of the multi-year deal, DraftKings will become the Giants’ official betting, igaming and DFS operator, and will establish a virtual SportsLounge at the team’s MetLife stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the same estate as FanDuel’s Meadowlands retail sportsbook.

The venue will be open on game days and will provide visitors with “unique and innovative” ways to engage with DraftKings’ platforms, the operator has said.

The operator’s branding will also feature across the team’s social media and during televised games.

DraftKings will develop a free-to-play picks game in partnership with the team for fans to win prizes and engage weekly with the platform.

According to the operator, the Giants rank in the top 40 for most highly bet-on sports franchise by both handle and bets made.

“The New York Giants have continued to be a fantastic organization to work with over the years, and we are excited to expand our relationship as the Giants’ official exclusive sports betting, igaming and daily fantasy operator,” DraftKings chief business officer Ezra Kucharz said.

“Both organizations remain committed to customer experience through enhanced product offerings and authenticity and look forward to joining forces across platforms as the highly anticipated NFL season gets underway,” he added.

Giants CCO Pete Guelli said: “DraftKings is the pre-eminent leader in sports betting and daily fantasy sports and we are excited to be the first NFL team to have an exclusive integrated deal in this category.”

DraftKings is one of few operators to obtain a first skin license to operate in New York via its market access deal with the del Lago Resort and Casino.

Under the proposed mobile betting bill in New York, only first skin operators will be able to apply for a mobile license.