“Casino games are here.”
The “here” is the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
New Jersey’s industry-leading sports betting platform unveiled four new iGaming offerings on Tuesday — Cleopatra and Wheel of Fortune slots, Double Double Bonus poker and roulette.
The new DraftKings’ online casino games join the previously released blackjack in the casino games lobby.
Blackjack, which was rolled out in mid-December, has “performed really well,” according to the DraftKings’ team. Yes, this is the same company that built its name with its daily fantasy sports (DFS) product. But it now has the beginnings of an NJ online casino.
Matt Kalish, DraftKings co-founder and chief revenue officer, shared his thoughts on DraftKings’ casino games:
“DraftKings is building a true one-stop destination for skin-in-the-game American sports fans. This is an early preview of our larger strategy to roll out iGaming products in early 2019.” As with our industry-leading DFS and sportsbook products, customers can expect to see new product innovation, seamless integration with the full DraftKings platform, and amazing gameplay experience.”
It’s a package deal for DraftKings
Players can access the casino games lobby via the large promo ad located toward the top of the mobile sportsbook lobby.
Besides having a shared wallet — DraftKings’ DFS included — there is no need to download a separate app.
Roulette bets range from a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $1,000. The range for blackjack is $1 to $100. Video poker bets range from a dime to $200.
Wheel of Fortune (50 cents to $500) and Cleopatra (a penny to $600) also offer a wide betting range. All games include a demo mode, too.
Kings of NJ sports betting and now online casino
The NJ iGaming moves should not come as a surprise. DraftKings continues to set the pace with New Jersey’s online sports betting industry.
DraftKings made Garden State sports betting history on Aug. 6 by becoming the first online sportsbook to launch in New Jersey. Since then, it has ruled over the industry in fine form.
The November revenue numbers released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement paint a picture of continued success.
Resorts Digital (a combination of DraftKings and BetStars NJ) reported $7,172,171 in digital sports betting revenue, the majority of that from DraftKings.
Then, in November, the permanent DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts opened.
The Boston-based DraftKings started in 2012 with its DFS platform that now offers contests in 11 professional sports — NFL, NBA and NHL included — around the world.
Now it can count DraftKings Casino among its NJ gambling site options.
DraftKings Casino + DraftKings Sportsbook
While the casino games may be new to the DraftKings brand, other companies following a similar path.
European-based 888 rolled out 888 Sport in New Jersey last year, joining 888 Casino and 888 Poker. BetStars NJ is the sports betting platform from the Stars Group, following in the footsteps of the extremely PokerStars NJ app.
Meanwhile, FanDuel Sportsbook recently announced a shared wallet with Betfair (now FanDuel) online casino. Both platforms are part of Paddy Power Betfair.
So, yes; it’s nothing new for sure, but DraftKings Casino hopes to make its mark in a big way.
To that end, from now through Jan. 6, DraftKings’ players who wager a total of at least $20 on blackjack at DraftKings’ online casino will get a free $5 sportsbook bet.
The free bet must be used by Jan. 31, but we don’t think that will be a problem considering all the NFL Playoff action and the College Football National Championship on Jan. 7.