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Recent legal changes surrounding sports betting in the United States have led to many insiders to speculate that deals and partnerships may develop between US sports companies and global operators.One of the biggest announcements of this type so far has come from Paddy Power and FanDuel.The British sports betting operator and the US-based fantasy sports specialist have announced a partnership which will open up a sports book in the US and make various products available for the first time in the States.
Pivotal time
The deal between Paddy Power and FanDuel comes after Betfair US, an offshoot of Paddy Power following another partnership deal some years ago, reached a long-haul agreement to provide sports betting options at New Jersey’s Meadowland Racetrack and New York’s Tioga Downs.FanDuel is expected to dispatch its first retail sportsbook to the New Jersey location in the near future.Speaking of the new deal, FanDuel Group CEO, Matt King, was brief, but made his joy clear, saying:“This is a pivotal time for the sports world in general, and we are poised to build upon our individual successes and join forces to build the best fan experience in the sports industry.”
What happens now?
Paddy Power and FanDuel coming together includes a lot more than just those two names, with Betfair and Betfair Casino, Draft TVG, TG Network, and more included within the newly formulated US-facing company.This newly merged operator will be the biggest sportsbook operator in the US upon its launch, for now at least.All eyes are on what other mergers and deals will comes as sportsbook operators from around the world try to take advantage of the new opportunities that will be offered by the recent legal changes when it comes to sports betting in the US.