FanDuel Pays Out $2M To Virginia Sports Bettors In First Weekend

ASHBURN, VA — Four days after launching sports betting in Virginia, FanDuel announced a partnership with the Washington Football Team on Monday, which is the first such deal between an NFL franchise and an online sports gaming platform in the United States.

FanDuel began accepting bets in Virginia on Thursday, which made the state the 12th in the country where the sports betting mobile app is available. Sports betting enthusiasts jumped on the bandwagon immediately as the announcement came just three days ahead of the AFC and NFC championship bets and comes just in time for sports betting enthusiasts to place wagers on the upcoming Super Bowl between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to a news release announcing the deal between FanDuel and the Washington Football Team, the franchise was given preference for a mobile sports betting permit because of the criteria it met as a pro sports franchise based in Virginia in accordance with state sports betting laws and because of the option to partner with an online sports wager platform like FanDuel.

“We’re honored to partner with an iconic sports franchise and we plan to deliver the most fan-focused, and secure, mobile sports betting experience to the passionate sports fans of Virginia,” Matt King, CEO of the FanDuel Group said in a statement issued Monday.

According to a FanDuel spokesman, since sports betting launched in Virginia, more than $2 million has been paid out as part of special odds boost wins over the weekend. The majority of customers (72 percent) made their first bet on an NBA game before the NFL games on Sunday and the Conor McGregor-Dustin Poirier MMA fight late Saturday night boosted took priority picked up activity.

FanDuel announced on Thursday that as part of its launch in Virginia, it is offering customers a special risk-free first bet of up to $1,000. Under the deal, any Virginia customer that doesn’t win their first bet will automatically be refunded their bet – up to $1,000.

Moving forward, the officials from the Washington Football Team expressed excitement in being partnered with FanDuel. As part of the deal, FanDuel will have prominent stadium signage at Fedex Field and will offer customers unique game day experiences like a special FanDuel section on game days.

“When this truly unique opportunity presented itself, it was a natural fit to strategically align with our long-time partner, FanDuel, as we knew they’d establish a best in class sports betting marketplace, grounded by innovation and consumer protection,” Scott Shepherd, senior vice president for corporate partnerships and hospitality for the Washington Football Team said.

“We’re very excited for all this groundbreaking partnership will offer our valued fans throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia as part of their game day experience.”