DraftKings and FanDuel to Go Head-to-Head in West Virginia

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With sports betting set to begin this next weekend in West Virginia, FanDuel, the current leading bookmaker in the US, made its play to offer sports betting services to West Virginia residents. The move revived the start of sports betting in the state as no other licensing had yet been issued.

In just a matter of two days, DraftKings has also announced they will be stepping in to offer sports betting services to the Mountaineer folks as well. It's noteworthy because FanDuel and DraftKings have long been heated rivals in the fantasy sports space. Now it look as through the stage is being set for these fantasy sports behemoths to begin doing battle in the sports betting arena as well.

With both companies ready to make its move, they do so just in time to service sports bettors who are looking forward to betting on NCAA football games and the NFL. The college football season is set to begin this weekend while the NFL preseason will be wrapping up in preparation for the start of the NFL season on September 6th.

On behalf of DraftKings, Matt Kalish, co-founder and chief revenue officer stated: “We look forward to serving our fans with the top-rated DraftKings Sports book app, that features numerous consumer protection features and strives to provide the broadest selection of betting options with the best odds and rewards in West Virginia. DraftKings knows the American sports fan better than anyone, and we look forward to proving that in the Mountain State.”

DraftKings has been brought in under its partnership with Penn National Gaming, who owns Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. This marks the third state that the company will be offering sports betting options with the start of football.

On behalf of Penn National Gaming, John Finamore, senior vice president of regional operators stated: “We are pleased to help welcome DraftKings to West Virginia. They provide a quality online sports betting experience that will benefit their customers and the state.”

When the switch is flipped this week, sports bettors will be able to be on sports betting markets in the US and other parts of the world. As far as betting options are concerned, bettors will be able to make straight bets, money-line wagers, betting on over/under totals, parlays and futures bets. Additionally, DraftKings will be offering in-play wagering, a popular option that allows bettors to bet on certain outcomes while a game in in progress.