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DraftKings scores Chicago Cubs deal, opens second NH sportsbook

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DraftKings has brokered a deal to become the official sports betting and daily fantasy partner of Major League Baseball team the Chicago Cubs, while the operator has also opened a second retail sportsbook in New Hampshire.

Under the multi-year agreement with the Cubs, DraftKings plans to open a first-of-its-kind sportsbook facility at the team’s Wrigley Field home stadium (pictured).

The development, which would require approval from the City of Chicago, would also enable consumers in the surrounding Wrigleyville neighbourhood to place bets online.

This was facilitated by Senate Bill 690, the gaming expansion package signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker in June last year. That included a provision to allow sports stadia with capacity of 17,000 or greater to secure a sports betting license for a $10m fee, and offer mobile wagering within a five-block radius.

“This is truly a historic moment, as we are thrilled to align with the renowned Chicago Cubs franchise and iconic Wrigley Field to provide sports bettors in Chicago with a revolutionary sports betting experience,” DraftKings’ co-founder and president North America, Matt Kalish, said.

Cubs’ president of business operations, Crane Kenney, added: “An increasing number of sports fans want to integrate sports betting into their game experience, and we’re excited to be one of the first to engage in developing a retail sportsbook at a professional sports venue.”

Meanwhile, DraftKings has also announced the opening of its second retail sportsbook in New Hampshire, via a partnership with the state’s lottery and South Side Tavern.

Located at the South Side Tavern sports bar in Manchester, New Hampshire, the DraftKings sportsbook will feature betting kiosks, wall-to-wall TVs and seating areas.

“For the first time in the city, customers will be able to place retail bets on their favorite sports while watching the games in real time,” Kalish said.

DraftKings last month launched its first retail sportsbook in the state, through a partnership with the New Hampshire Lottery and Eureka Casino-owned venue The Brook.

The operator is also the exclusive sports betting provider of the New Hampshire Lottery, having launched mobile sports betting in the state in December 2019.

New Hampshire Lottery executive director Charlie McIntyre said: “The response to mobile sports betting in New Hampshire speaks for itself and expanding to physical sportsbooks represents the next step for the New Hampshire Lottery and DraftKings as we expand this exciting new way to win in the Granite State.”