DraftKings partners with MLB's Colorado Rockies, opens sportsbook in Black Hawk

DraftKings announced Thursday that it has reached an agreement with the Colorado Rockies to be named both the MLB franchise’s Official Daily Fantasy Operator and the franchise’s first Official Sports Betting Operator. The company also announced that it has set September 25 as the grand opening date for DraftKings Sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado.

“We are proud to grow our presence in Colorado both in announcing our latest deal with the Rockies and also look forward to soon officially opening the doors to our newest retail sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino and Resort,” said Matt Kalish, Co-Founder and President, DraftKings North America. “In the short span since launching our top-rated mobile sportsbook app in Colorado this past May, Coloradans have proven to be among our most engaged customers, which makes our deepened connection to the state through these collaborations all the more exciting.”

In addition to in-stadium branding rights, DraftKings is also receiving a license to utilize Rockies trademarks and logos. Furthermore, the Rockies and DraftKings will collaborate to develop a digital content series featuring Rockies’ player appearances on DraftKings’ original “The Sweat” program, along with podcasts, live videos and more.

“All of us at the Colorado Rockies are thrilled to take this exciting next step in our longstanding relationship with DraftKings,” said Walker Monfort, Rockies’ Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. “Expanding on our current deal for daily fantasy sports will only enhance what we’ve built with DraftKings up to this point. Tying our brand to an early industry leader in the new frontier of legalized sports betting will be a great new endeavor for both parties.”

The retail sportsbook located within the Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk, operated by Twin River, is set to officially open on Friday, September 25. It is equipped with more than 40 televisions, large video boards dedicated to displaying odds, several self-service betting kiosks and a full-service American sports bar and restaurant.

“The new DraftKings retail sportsbook location is the perfect addition to their mobile betting access we launched earlier this summer,” said George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Twin River Worldwide Holdings. “The space has over 40 large TVs and multiple odds boards, a large full-service bar with 22 seats, a VIP area, and a great new menu featuring American pub-style fare with a Colorado twist, including our famous short rib stacker with house-made chips, an artisan BLT with a poached egg, and carnitas tacos. There is nothing like it in Black Hawk and we are excited to become Colorado’s new home for all sports.” 

DraftKings has offered daily fantasy contests in Colorado since 2012 and launched its top-rated sportsbook app in the state in May 2020.