BOSTON — DraftKings (Nasdaq: DKNG) and National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC (“NASCAR”) announced Friday that they have agreed to terms on a written designation agreement, paving the way for the digital sports entertainment and gaming company to operate in the state of North Carolina, pending licensure and regulatory approvals.
“DraftKings and NASCAR have collaborated closely with each other over the years, sharing a likeminded commitment to enhancing the fan experience,” said Matt Kalish, President, DraftKings North America. “We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together and offering our leading mobile sportsbook to fans in the state of North Carolina.”
DraftKings also has been named the exclusive daily fantasy sports partner of NASCAR in the United States and Canada, becomes an Authorized Gaming Operator of NASCAR, and will receive additional sponsorship benefits within the NASCAR ecosystem nationally.
“DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports,” said Joe Solosky, NASCAR managing director, sports betting, “We are thrilled to continue working with DraftKings to deliver NASCAR fans more engagement opportunities and bring its leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina.”
Once live, North Carolina would mark the 27th state in which DraftKings Sportsbook operates, following the company’s announced plans to enter Vermont on January 11. DraftKings is committed to creating inclusive and responsible pathways for people to build, create, imagine, and innovate through the DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. program.
Responsible gaming is a key pillar of the S.E.R.V.E.S. program and DraftKings’ collective mission is to protect the vulnerable with groundbreaking technology, training, resources and the support of evidence-based research.
BetMGM Partners With Charlotte Motor Speedway
BetMGM, a sports betting and iGaming leader, and Charlotte Motor Speedway, the iconic motorsports venue, announced Friday a new market access agreement enabling BetMGM to bring its online sports betting platform to North Carolina once legalized sports betting launches.
“We have been eagerly awaiting legal, safe, regulated online sports betting in North Carolina, a state with more than 10 million people and one of the most vibrant sports environments in the country,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “BetMGM’s partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway meets a great demand for entertainment from North Carolinians.
“Together we will deliver a premier and responsible gaming product that benefits many state agencies.”
In addition to supporting many of North Carolina’s publicly funded colleges, tax revenues from sports betting will also support a major event fund, allowing the state to recruit national sports and entertainment events to drive additional tourism, job creation and economic impact.
“BetMGM has established itself as a signature source for sports betting with partnerships in every major league sport and with venues across the country,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter. “With Charlotte Motor Speedway’s history of innovation, we wanted to move forward into this new era of sports entertainment with a progressive sportsbook.
“This partnership with BetMGM will bring sports fans new ways to enjoy their favorite events while expanding North Carolina’s tax base, supporting colleges and facilitating recruitment of major events for the future.”
Subject to regulatory approval, BetMGM expects to offer online sports betting as soon as North Carolina’s regulated market commences, expected to be in the first quarter of 2024.
As BetMGM continues to expand to new markets, responsible gambling education remains a key focus. BetMGM is proud to provide resources to help customers play responsibly including GameSense, an industry leading program, developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
Through the integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to count on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM’s already existing responsible gambling tools which serve to provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.