Features

FanDuel to open first stadium betting lounge at Audi Field

FanDuel is set to open its first betting lounge at a major US sports stadium next year after announcing plans to launch at DC United’s Audi Field.

Under the terms of a new agreement, the sportsbook has become the exclusive sports betting sponsor of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team and will open the first retail sportsbook in DC in 2021, pending licensing and regulatory approvals from the DC Lottery.

Upon its debut, the FanDuel sportsbook at 20,000-capacity Audi Field will feature various betting windows and self-service betting terminals available to sports fans 365 days a year. The FanDuel Sportsbook, to be located in one of the current club areas, will allow bets on all major US sports.

“DC United is looking forward to the opportunity of working with a first-rate operator in this new and exciting space,” said Sam Porter, chief strategy officer of DC United.

“The FanDuel Sportsbook is best-in-class and we believe their expertise, technology, and product will provide our fans, guests at Audi Field, and the Buzzard Point neighbourhood a full-slate of entertainment options.”

New York-based FanDuel currently has 12 retail sportsbooks in nine states, including New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and provides mobile sports gambling in seven states.

FanDuel, which is a division of Flutter Entertainment – formerly Paddy Power Betfair – opened its first retail location for sports betting at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Racetrack, close to the NFL’s New York Jets and Giants’ MetLife Stadium, in 2018. That launch came soon after the end of the US-wide prohibition on betting, with many states legalising wagering in the two years since and sports teams and leagues partnering with sportsbook operators.

Matt King, FanDuel Group’s CEO, said: “As we continue to expand our nationwide footprint, joining forces with one of the MLS’ most iconic clubs allows us to bring America’s #1 Sportsbook to the nation’s capital.

“We’re partnering with D.C. United to elevate the fan experience at Audi Field and bring the DMV area an in-person sports gaming experience other parts of the US have come to know and love from FanDuel.”

It is understood DC United will receive an annual fee, plus a percentage of every dollar wagered at the location, according to Sportico.

DC Lottery has a monopoly on mobile betting in DC, meaning other sportsbook operators are restricted to land-based partnerships with one of the jurisdiction’s four local sports venues.

Audi Field hosts over 100 events year-round, including corporate meetings, receptions, galas and music festivals.

Image: BusinessWire