Bally’s Corporation has completed the acquisition of Monkey Knife Fight (MKF), one of the fastest-growing gaming platforms and the third-largest daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator in North America.
The acquisition makes Bally’s only the third sports betting company in the US to have a fantasy sports segment and advances its long-term growth and diversification strategy to become the first vertically integrated sports betting and igaming company in the country with a B2B2C business model.
George Papanier, President and CEO of Bally’s Corporation, said: “We are pleased to have closed on our acquisition of Monkey Knife Fight, and are now focused on integrating this unique asset into our Bally’s Interactive division.
“Entering the daily fantasy sports market is an integral component of our omnichannel approach and an important milestone for our company as we continue our long-term diversification strategy.
“We look forward to providing sports fans across the nation with a dynamic and engaging DFS platform that is commensurate with the premier offerings that define the Bally’s portfolio.”
MKF has approximately 200,000 registered users and 90,000 depositing players, which will contribute to Bally’s growing player database and provide it with a significant advantage in launching its own B2C sports betting operations.
The acquisition also allows Bally’s to combine MKF’s expansive geographic presence, which spans 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, with Sinclair’s significant media footprint, including its portfolio of 19 regional sports networks, to engage sports fans across the US with DFS offerings.
Earlier this year, Bally’s announced it had formed multi-year partnerships with the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and Major League Baseball (MLB).
