Analysis

FanDuel first out of the blocks in Virginia

FanDuel will be first out of the blocks with regulated sports-betting in Virginia from today at noon ET.

The operator was granted a temporary license by the Virginia Lottery.

FanDuel applied for the permit as part of its partnership with the NFL Washington Football Team.

It benefited from the fact that professional sports teams and casinos are given preferential treatment in the granting of licenses.

The group, somewhat accidentally, said it would be going live via Twitter on Wednesday.

It backtracked slightly in the following hours before confirming the launch would be happening.

Competitive state 

Virginia is in T41st position on the Wedge Index of gaming-friendliness. The the launch of regulated sports betting and a competitive landscape will boost it into the top 15.

The state passed betting legislation last year and is likely to be very competitive. As many as 12 brands potentially licensed for online sports betting and retail betting at sports venues.

There is still uncertainty with regard to the identities of the other sportsbooks that will launch in Virginia. and they are yet to be confirmed by the state regulator.

Five casino books on the cards 

Land-based casinos will also be allowed to take bets, but these have not yet been built as they were part of a bill that was only introduced in 2019.

Five casinos are slated to be built in the Old Dominion. Sports-betting licenses would be issued on top of the 12 expected to be announced in the near future.

Not much more is known with regard to which other betting brands likely to be granted a license.

The major names such as BetRivers, DraftKings or William Hill are all in the running. Also less well-known brands like Handle 19 and US Bookmaking.

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