DraftKings Expands Operations in Puerto Rico

DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation announced on Tuesday that the two parties have agreed to a deal that will “expand their relationship” and “pave the way” to offering a DraftKings Sportsbook location both online and a retail setting in Puerto Rico.

The deal is subject to the applicable licenses and regulatory approvals being obtained.

DraftKings Launches iGaming in Connecticut Last Year

This announcement comes nearly six months after DraftKings and Foxwoods Casino successfully launched iGaming in Connecticut in October 2021.

With a Foxwoods location in Puerto Rico, the plan is for DraftKings to have a retail sportsbook inside the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and could open in mere weeks if all licenses and regulatory approvals are met.

According to DraftKings, once complete, the facility will feature “a massive video wall, bar and dining services, two over the counter ticket windows and six betting kiosks.”

“Since establishing our relationship with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods more than a year ago, we’ve seen immense success, which can be attributed to the collaborative efforts between the organizations and shared vision for providing customers with the very best,” Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America and co-founder, said in a news release.

“Puerto Rico is known for its rich and vibrant sports culture, and we look forward to being able to provide fans with a safe and legal form of sports betting through our retail and online sportsbooks.”

Project Has Been a Year in the Works

The Foxwoods El San Juan Casino was a project that the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation started working on in January 2021 and included over $137.5 million in renovations, including reopening the Tropicoro entertainment venue.

“We have made tremendous strides in the sports betting space in our relationship with DraftKings, who has continued to be a valuable partner, through our online and retail experiences in the state of Connecticut,” Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler said in the release.

“As we expand our partnership with DraftKings to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico at the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, we are confident that we will continue to create unforgettable memories for customers and sports fans alike.”

If all goes according to plan when it comes to regulations and approvals, DraftKings, in addition to retail and online sports betting, could also offer daily fantasy sports contests, which are available in 44 US states and in six additional countries, too.

DraftKings also notes that it takes responsible gaming seriously, is an active member of the American Gaming Association, and strongly promotes its “Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” public service campaign.