A unique partnership

DraftKings has entered a strategic partnership with Sports & Social that will see the creation of Sports & Social/DraftKings sports bars across the nation. The first of these bars will be coming to the Detroit and Nashville markets, once they get the relevant regulatory approval. Both Michigan and Tennessee are states that currently have legal sports betting.

The strategy, design, and development firm ICRAVE will be in charge of designing these new venues. The goal is to fill a niche by offering a premier and upscale sports and entertainment experience.

Creating a more engaging offering

Speaking about this new strategic partnership was DraftKings chief business officer Ezra Kucharz. He said: “Today, so much of sports betting is focused on the mobile-technology aspect, however the in-person experience is an integral layer that we look forward to advancing alongside Sports & Social’s premier dining and entertainment offerings.”

He believes that by partnering with “one of the fastest-growing entertainment concepts” in the US that DraftKings will be able to offer a more engaging range of products to customers.

an incredible premier sports-watching experience with sports betting all under one roof”

The Cordish Companies principal Reed Cordish also welcomed this new partnership. He said: “We are always looking to create new and innovative experiences for our guests and this collaboration will allow us an exciting opportunity to do so, bringing an incredible premier sports-watching experience with sports betting all under one roof.”

A strong presence

Sports & Social already has a strong presence across the United States, with locations at professional sports stadiums, major entertainment districts, and casino resorts. This includes the Live! Casino Hotel Maryland, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, and the Live! Casino Pittsburgh. The exact locations of the new Sports & Social/DraftKings venues are set to be announced over the next few months.

This strategic partnership with DraftKings is something that has not really been seen to date with any other major operators in the sports betting space. Others will be watching closely to see how it fares.