Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) and DraftKings Inc. (DraftKings) have announced a multi-year agreement that will bring pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing to DraftKings. CDI’s subsidiary, TwinSpires, will provide advance deposit wagering (ADW) technology to DraftKings. TwinSpires is the premier, market leading online horse racing wagering platform in the U.S.
DraftKings will launch DK Horse in the coming months, which will allow DraftKings’ eligible customers to bet on horse racing using a standalone branded app. The initial launch of DK Horse will require customers to sign up and deposit funds separate from that of their one account, one wallet tethered DraftKings Sportsbook, Casino and daily fantasy sports apps. Plans to integrate DK Horse into the DraftKings product suite will be announced at a later date. DK Horse is expected to be available initially in 21 states, pending all necessary regulatory approvals, and is scheduled to launch ahead of the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby in May 2023.
“We are excited to collaborate with Churchill Downs Incorporated, not only to give our existing customers an opportunity to engage with pari-mutuel horse wagering, but also to acquire new customers efficiently during marquee horse racing moments,” said Jason Robins, CEO and Chairman of the Board of DraftKings. “Due to the structure of the agreement, we expect this new product offering to be immediately profitable.”
Under the agreement, CDI will provide DraftKings pari-mutuel wagering rights to horse racing content owned or controlled by CDI, including the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. CDI will also secure, on behalf of DraftKings, additional horse racing content for use on DK Horse.
“We believe the depth and quality of our online offering through TwinSpires is unmatched in horse racing,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “We are excited to establish this relationship with DraftKings and to deliver a full end-to-end white label ADW solution that will introduce their significant base of sports betting customers to horse racing wagering.”
An active member of the American Gaming Association (AGA), DraftKings is committed to promoting the AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly™ public service campaign, which educates customers on responsible gaming best practices such as establishing and adhering to a budget and only engaging with legal, regulated operators. DraftKings is committed to creating inclusive and responsible pathways for people to build, create, imagine and innovate through the DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. program.
(DraftKings)