FanDuel and Scientific Games Partner to Introduce Landmark First Online Sportsbook in West Virginia

• FanDuel will rollout Scientific Games well-known OpenBet system to replace IGT in WV
• The new operating system promises an “unrivaled betting experience” for FanDuel customers
• Parent Flutter Entertainment is currently experiencing transition & worldwide growth

FanDuel, first beginning operation in West Virginia during 2019 powered by International Game Technology (IGT), has revamped their offering under a new partnership arrangement with Scientific Games to utilize the OpenBet betting engine from the company’s OpenSports platform.

Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ SGMS) has now joined forces with Flutter Entertainment subsidiary FanDuel Group, marking the US operator’s first online sportsbook launch in West Virginia with the company’s sports betting engine.

In conjunction with FanDuel, OpenBet is a key component powering Flutter Entertainment’s global sports betting platform for several well-known brands including Betfair, Sky Bet, and Paddy Power in Europe and Sportsbet in Australia.

FanDuel and Scientific Games Express Excitement

In a press release, SG proudly mentioned that the opportunity to go live with the FanDuel Group in West Virginia notes the next chapter of a long and successful wagering partnership that has taken place for over twenty years with parent Flutter Entertainment.

Matt King, CEO of FanDuel Group noted:

We are excited to roll out our next generation sportsbook technology throughout the United States, starting with West Virginia. Our global sports betting platform will offer customers an unrivaled betting experience and will cement FanDuel’s place as America’s number one sportsbook.

Also making comment, Jordan Levin, Group CEO, Digital at Scientific Games noted:

Going live with FanDuel’s new sportsbook is a truly landmark moment in our rich history of servicing Flutter Entertainment brands. Utilizing OpenSports technology is a game changer for FanDuel and will introduce a new way of betting for its customers. Our dedicated team has been extremely agile and flexible, providing the operator with excellent service in West Virginia.

Transitional Timing for Flutter Entertainment

The transition in West Virginia takes place after Flutter announced in August its integration of Stars Group business operations. The company said it would plan to migrate all sports betting brands to the OpenBet solution currently powered by its Paddy Power Betfair division.

FanDuel previously had been using IGT’s PlaySports solution for betting and GAN for online casino wagering. FOX Bet and BetStars sportsbooks operated by The Stars Group, which have been powered by Amelco since 2015, will remain on that platform.

The new co-op venture comes after Flutter last week announced details of a cash-generating new share issue, set to raise £1.1bn towards its increased stake in FanDuel.

Approximately eight million new ordinary shares have been placed by Goldman Sachs International and J&E Davy at a price of 14,000 pence per placing share.

The plan is set to raise gross proceeds of approximately £1.1bn, around a third of the $4.18bn due to be paid to Fastball for its 37.2% stake in FanDuel – increasing its total stake to 95%.

Although there are no announced or confirmed plans to date, it is expected this new partnership will likely align online operations for other upcoming entry US states licensing FanDuel as well.