DraftKings is making operational changes to how it delivers wagering for horse racing.
On Tuesday, the Boston-based gaming giant announced plans to launch a new horse racing product housed in its enhanced “super app”. The offering, DraftKings Racing, marks a shift in strategy after the company debuted its standalone horse racing platform, DK Horse, in 2023.
Additional three-state rollout
DraftKings Racing initially launched on Tuesday in the new DraftKings Sports & Casino app in three new U.S. markets for the horse racing product: Delaware, New Mexico and Rhode Island. The product will continue to launch in licensed markets on a state-by-state basis, and DraftKings will no longer offer its standalone DK Horse app in jurisdictions where its new app integration is available.
“With Triple Crown season approaching, we’re bringing DraftKings Racing to three new states at the perfect time to deliver an unmatched horse racing experience,” said DraftKings Director of Race and Sports Operations Johnny Avello. “By offering horse racing directly within the DraftKings Sportsbook app, we’re making it more convenient for customers to enjoy racing alongside their other favorite sports — all in one place, with one wallet and a more streamlined experience”.
The launch of DraftKings Racing in three states brings the company’s total reach of horse racing wagering operations to 26 states.
Users of DraftKings Racing have access to a single wallet that is used across DraftKings’ various gaming verticals. The horse racing integration will also deliver promotions to users.
The history of DK Horse
DK Horse is set to shut down three years after DraftKings secured a deal in 2023 with Churchill Downs subsidiary TwinSpires to bring the product to market nationwide.
The advance-deposit wagering (ADW) app is powered by TwinSpires, which teamed up with DraftKings for horse racing after ceasing online sports betting and casino operations.
DraftKings consolidates offerings with new app
DraftKings is planning to sunset its standalone horse racing app amid the recent launch of the DraftKings Sports & Casino app. The app debuted ahead of March Madness and houses the company’s online sportsbook, casino, DraftKings Predictions and Jackpocket lottery operations. It now also includes online horse racing with the new integration.
DraftKings is continuing to operate its DFS app as a standalone product.
The DraftKings Sports & Casino app ensures DraftKings adheres to state-specific regulations and rules by leveraging the company’s tech stack, as the product offers event contract trading in all but three states. In 17 states where DraftKings does not offer state-sanctioned online sports wagering, the company delivers sports event contracts.
FanDuel also makes changes in horse racing
DraftKings is integrating its horse racing offerings after FanDuel announced plans to shutter its linear TV network, FanDuel TV, over the next year and a half. As a result, FanDuel TV is undergoing a reduction of its workforce that is expected to be at roughly 60% by July 1.
The live horse racing network will continue to make further job cuts on a roll-out basis.
The end of FanDuel TV will not have an impact on FanDuel’s horse race wagering operations, which are housed under the TVG brand. FanDuel’s non-horse racing shows, including ‘Up & Adams’ and ‘Run it Back’, will continue despite the end of FanDuel TV.
FanDuel said it is turning off the network as it’s not viable for the company’s long-term strategy.
