FanDuel Group powered by IGT PlaySports launches in Louisiana and Maryland

IGT building at night
Image source: IGT

FanDuel Group has expanded operations into two new states, opening for business in Louisiana and Maryland where its retail sportsbooks will be powered by IGT PlaySports technology. Retail FanDuel Sportsbooks backed by IGT PlaySports technology are now live in 13 states.

Five Boyd Gaming locations in Louisiana will house the IGT PlaySports-powered FanDuel Sportsbooks. The first to go live in December were Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel in Vinton, followed by Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner and Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel in Opelousas.   

Amelia Belle Casino in Amelia, and Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport are scheduled to open their FanDuel Sportsbooks in January, pending regulatory approvals. Boyd Gaming properties in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Mississippi also house FanDuel Sportsbooks with IGT PlaySports technology.

Boyd Gaming has been a long-time customer of IGT and has an exclusive sports betting agreement with the firm in Nevada in which Boyd utilizes PlaySports for retail sports betting, along with its Nevada-based mobile sports app and online sports betting portal, BConnected. 

IGT PlaySports technology is also up and running in the FanDuel Sportsbook at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover. Sports fans can place bets at any of the 31 IGT PlaySports self-service kiosks throughout the property, or visit the sportsbook to bet at one of its 10 betting windows and watch their favorite games on one of the venue’s 40 televisions. 

This expansion into Louisiana and Maryland comes hot off the heels of a busy few months for the two companies. Earlier this fall, IGT PlaySports-powered FanDuel Sportsbook launches at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville – the first instance where the firms have teamed up to power retail sports betting at a tribal casino – and at the Footprint Center in Phoenix – the first time for the pairing to power a sportsbook at a professional sports venue. 

In recent months, IGT has made several significant organizational changes and welcomed some of the industry’s top talent. In September, it created a dedicated Digital & Betting business vertical and shortly after, hired Joe Asher, the sports betting industry veteran and Hall of Famer, to lead its sports betting operations. Most recently, the firm welcomed seasoned sports betting professional Joe Bertolone as VP of Sports Betting.

IGT was also named Platform Provider of the Year at the 2021 SBC Awards North America for the widespread deployment of its PlaySports platform at nearly 60 gaming venues across 20 states. In addition, the firm’s CrystalFlex VIP terminal for its popular slot games, keno and sports content won Silver in the “Industry Innovation of the Year” category.