US Fantasy Hit DraftKings Receives UK License

The biggest online betting phenomenon in America has reached the shores of the UK.

Confirmation

After filing an application for licensing in June, DraftKings confirmed reception via press release Monday morning.

The new license allows for DraftKings to provide “Gambling Software” and “Pool Betting,” at the now officially active site DraftKings.co.uk.

International Offices

The release further reveals that DraftKings “expects to be operational in the U.K. in the fourth quarter,” meaning DraftKings will have a site in London by the end of the year.

Expansion Management

Named to manage the DraftKings expansion is Jeffrey Haas, the newly appointed Chief International Officer. After announcing his departure from bwin.party as director of poker last month, he had to land somewhere.

DraftKings CEO Jason Robins lauded the UK expansion as “a milestone moment” in the growth of his company, promising additional sports to the global audience. He further welcomed this opportunity as a chance “to forge new partnerships with leagues, teams and media outlets” according to the same model that made the company so successful in the United States.

Of his own new position, Haas further stated that “DraftKings is well-poised for explosive growth internationally, and I am excited to lead their expansion efforts.”

The fact is the wildly popular daily fantasy sports leagues in America are rapidly gaining traction worldwide.

The New Category of Play

The specific category name will be Daily Fantasy Sports, and the UK license cannot be seen as anything other than a major opportunity for the fantasy sports industry to reach Europe, and join the vibrant sports betting that already is in place. Fantasy sports has already gained traction at sports books with European hubs such as bet365 Sports. The arrival of DraftKings will without a doubt usher in the mainstreaming of fantasy sports to Europe for sure.

More DraftKing Expansion in 2016

The press release also announced added plans for 2016 to launch into the rest of Europe, as well as Asia Pacific and Latin America.