DraftKings to launch live streaming
CEO Jason Robins says firm would consider becoming a sportsbook should the US legalize sports betting
DraftKings has announced plans to start live streaming sports, beginning with one of its existing partners EuroLeague Basketball.
The deal will enable North American players to stream select Turkish Airlines EuroLeague basketball games directly through their DraftKings mobile app and toggle between fantasy contests and live content.
The move is designed to get customers entering contests for sports they may not otherwise have played.
“Our goal is to become the one-stop destination and mobile companion for sports fans globally,” said Jason Robins, co-founder and CEO of DraftKings.
“Adding a live streaming component allows us to provide the best and most seamless product for our customers. This is what the future of sports looks like.”
The service, expected to be live in Q1 2018, will let customers stream one free game per week or watch multiple games by playing in a $3 and above contest.
DraftKings will also create original content to support the EuroLeague product.
Robins told Bloomberg the service could be extended to other sports should the partnership drive engagement for DraftKings and EuroLeague.
The use of live streaming is a popular tool to increase engagement and wagering among European sportsbooks, and Robins admitted the operator would “consider becoming a sportsbook” should the US legalize sports betting.
FWIW, @DraftKings CEO Jason Robins also said company will weigh options if sports gambling is legalized nationwide. Could become sports book
— Eben Novy-Williams (@novy_williams) November 7, 2017
DraftKings already has a gambling license in the UK, but pivoting to sports betting could prove tricky in the US, where its regulation so far has depended on DFS being a skill game rather than gambling.