FanDuel Group and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced Thursday a multi-year partnership designating the bookmaker as an Authorized Gaming Operator of the major professional sports league in the U.S.
This is a landmark deal for FanDuel as it marks the company’s first partnership with Major League Baseball or an MLB team.
“Fantasy sports and sports betting have become a national pastime in their own right, so it's natural to join forces with Major League Baseball,” said Kip Levin, President & COO, FanDuel Group. “MLB clearly understands how working together can be beneficial for baseball fans and both companies alike.”
“FanDuel has proven itself to be a leader in the sports betting space and has shifted a step ahead again through its commitment to, and recognition of, the value in being an authorized gaming operator,” said Kenny Gersh, MLB Executive Vice President, Gaming & New Business Ventures. “Now having access to our official sports betting data feeds and MLB brands, we’re looking forward to the creative sports betting and fan experience innovations FanDuel will develop.”
"Baseball is one of the most popular sports to bet on and partnering with MLB allows us to make the betting experience even better for our customers," continued Levin. “With an enhanced betting experience, sports fans are watching more baseball as they have a stake in the game.”
In-play wagering is a large part of the sports betting experience and accounts for more than 50% of FanDuel Sportsbook’s total business. MLB and FanDuel Group joining forces allows FanDuel to enhance the in-play and overall sports wagering and experience.