DraftKings has tied up a deal to replace the Scoreboard app as the sole online sports betting provider in Oregon.
The transition will begin on January 18, and all current Scoreboard users will be invited to create DraftKings Sportsbooks accounts. They will be able to transfer their existing funds from Scoreboard to DraftKings, so it should be a reasonably smooth and seamless process.
Market Ready to Blossom
Oregon’s legal sports betting industry began with the launch of the Scoreboard app in October 2019. No other operators were permitted to launch, giving the app an exclusive on legal online sports wagering in the state.
There are also a few retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos in Oregon, but its sports betting industry has remained modest. In the first 11 months of 2021, the handle in Oregon was $298 million.
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The Oregon Lottery Commission believes that the switch to a household name like DraftKings could drive greater interest and increase the size of the market.
It will be the second state in which DraftKings has a monopoly. The other is New Hampshire.
Oregon’s population is three times larger than New Hampshire’s, but the New Hampshire sports betting handle was $617 million for the first 11 months of 2021, highlighting the power of the DraftKings brand.
Transition Details Revealed for Scoreboard Users
The Scoreboard app is powered by white-label sportsbook provider SBTech. In 2020, DraftKings merged with SBTech and a special purpose acquisition company was listed on the Nasdaq.
DraftKings Sportsbook was powered by Kambi at the time, but it has now switched to the SBTech platform. However, there are still some stylistic differences between the Scoreboard app and the DraftKings Sportsbook app, so more bettors in Oregon could be encouraged to sign up when the transfer is completed.
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Bettors will still be able to access their transaction histories, account information and withdrawal facilities for six months after the transition. All open wagers on Scoreboard accounts will remain until settled.
“We’re excited about the improved experience for our players – including the ability to make same game parlay bets,” said Barry Pack, Director, Oregon Lottery.
“DraftKings is a premier provider in the US. We see benefits for Lottery too, as the shift to DraftKings means fewer third-party service providers and a simpler financial structure for player accounts.”
Ready for the NFL Playoffs
The changeover will take place during the NFL playoffs, which should help DraftKings gain some early momentum.
“DraftKings is thrilled to embark on this journey with the Oregon Lottery as we build out a coast-to-coast presence with our top-rated online sportsbook for these fans to experience ahead of the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl,” said Paul Liberman, co-founder and president of global technology and product at DraftKings.
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“The Oregon Lottery shares our innovative spirit as one of the most progressive organizations in the real-money gaming sector, and together we look forward to delivering the exceptional online sportsbook products that Oregonians have been anticipating.”
To celebrate its impending launch in Oregon, DraftKings has teamed up with Arbor Day to plant more than 110,000 trees in a bid to aid fire rehabilitation efforts.
It is part of a wider campaign called “DraftKings SERVES”, which involves the planting of 1 million trees this year along with a variety of additional projects designed to “create a better world for everyone”.
