Smarkets to open new US operations office
SBK sportsbook parent company commits to North America with Washington DC hub to be led by ex-Nike exec Sheldon Hanai
Smarkets is set to open its first-ever US office space as the operator looks to make inroads into the country’s blossoming sports betting market.
The new office will be based in the US’ capital city and federal district of Washington DC, and will house the Smarkets team working on its US expansion.
The SBK sportsbook app is currently licensed to operate across Colorado, Indiana and Iowa.
The team in Washington DC will be led by Smarkets US GM Sheldon Hanai who recently joined the firm from Nike.
Smarkets is set to conduct a hiring spree across business development, operations and marketing to staff its new office space.
Washington DC will become the third worldwide office location for the firm, joining the group’s HQ in London and another European base in Malta.
Hanai said: “An East Coast office has been in the plans for some time and DC appealed to me greatly due to its vibrant tech environment and diverse talent pool.
“It’s also an energetic sports city with all of the major American sports represented and, of course, you’re right in the political and economic centre of the US,” he added.
Jason Trost, Smarkets CEO and founder, added: “I’m extremely excited about opening our Washington office. Adding this new hub for our US operations will be a key step as we grow our American customer base with SBK. DC makes sense for so many reasons and is one of the most globally accessible cities in the country.”