US-based daily fantasy sports and online gaming operator DraftKings has announced the temporary opening of a retail sportsbook venue in Colorado.
The temporary sportsbook will be at the Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk and is in collaboration with Twin River Worldwide Holdings.
Guests will be allowed to wager on sports from the casino’s first floor from when it opens today (July 10th).
The temporary sports betting venue will soon be replaced by a permanent one, for which construction has officially commenced.
“An unmatched sports betting experience”
DraftKings was approved to enter the Colorado sports betting market, which launched in May, when it agreed a partnership with Mardi Gras Casino back in January.
The Boston-headquartered operator’s temporary retail sportsbook in Black Hawk will have eight self-service betting kiosks. In addition to this, there will be a cashier window and numerous large-screen TVs to watch all the big events from.
Customers will be able to bet on all major US sporting events, spanning across both professional and college divisions.
Twin River President and Chief Executive George Papanier had the following to say about the Black Hawk venue’s partnership with DraftKings.
“This partnership with DraftKings allows us to provide an unmatched sports betting experience to Coloradans, not only with their mobile betting access, but also with this exciting DraftKings retail sportsbook location.
“We are looking forward to introducing our guests to the fully renovated space in the coming months and until that time, are glad to be able to give our guests the ability to safely start placing bets as many professional sports begin to resume in the coming weeks.”
Safety measures introduced at the Mardi Gras Casino and DraftKings sports betting area
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the casino has implemented a number of measures to keep patrons safe while on the premises. The wearing of face masks will be mandatory for everybody, whether they are a customer or member of staff. On top of this, temperature checks will be made prior to entry being granted.
All surfaces will be sanitized, with social distancing also enforced throughout. DraftKings Chief Business Officer spoke about the importance of emphasizing player safety at the casino. He also spoke about catering for sports bettors as more events return to the calendar after a forced shutdown.
“As our partners at Mardi Gras Casino work to expand their current operations and location, we are thrilled to come together to provide the most exciting, real-time gaming opportunities as sports begin to make their return.
“DraftKings and Mardi Gras Casino are committed to providing a safe, immersive and entertaining gaming environment to ensure sports fans in Colorado have the most enjoyable experience possible.”
When will the permanent sportsbook location be completed?
The permanent retail sportsbook is expected to be completed before the beginning of the 2020 NFL season, which is scheduled to begin on September 10th. In addition to a wall of TVs, the space will include a large feature bar and VIP lounge.
Including Mardi Gras Casino, DraftKings has a retail presence at seven venues across the US. These are divided between five states: Colorado, New York, Iowa, New Jersey and Mississippi.