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- Wings giant says closing in on deal with DraftKings though details are vague
- Scope of negotiations not immediately known
- Buffalo Wild Wings announced its interest in offering sports betting last week
Sports Betting on the Wild Wings Menu?
After announcing its intention to offer sports betting now that the US Supreme Court has ruled the activity as legal, reports surfaced that sports bar mega chain Buffalo Wild Wings is set to announce a partnership deal with the first site to begin offering online sports wagering from the States, DraftKings. Until now, betting on sports over the Web from the US was only available at a few dozen internationally-licensed sites. DraftKings mobile sports book site is only available in New Jersey but open to both residents and those visiting the Garden State.
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Legal Sports Betting reported this weekend that their sources are aware of negotiations between Buffalo Wild Wings and DraftKings, but know little about the scope.
From Legal Sports Betting:
The partnership, no matter how extensive, would make sense on a lot of levels; the opportunities for synergy between the two companies who focus on sports engagement are enormous.
That site notes that any deal between the two companies might only pertain to marketing.
Buffalo Wild Wings and Sports Betting
The wings chain made waves this past week after telling ESPN it would explore sports gambling opportunities.
"As the largest sports bar in America, we believe Buffalo Wild Wings is uniquely positioned to leverage sports gaming to enhance the restaurant experience for our guests," a Buffalo Wild Wings spokesperson said in a statement to ESPN. "We are actively exploring opportunities, including potential partners, as we evaluate the next steps for our brand."
The US Supreme Court ruling in May allows states to amend their current laws to permit betting on sports.
Experts believe that half the U.S. states will ultimately allow sports wagering over the next five years. Some, like New Jersey, Delaware, Mississippi and West Virginia, have already approved sports books to operate in designated establishments such as casinos and horse tracks. New Jersey began offering online gambling on sporting events this week. Only a small number of states are expected to allow mobile sports wagering outside of designated locations (i.e. Mississippi will allow it within casino properties, including the dining facilities and even the parking garage, but not beyond).
For the 46-year-old chain that was recently acquired by Arby's for just shy of $3 billion, partnering with a licensed gaming operator would likely be necessary.
Buffalo Wild Wings, if it’s serious about getting into the sports betting space, probably can’t go it alone for much of the US and likely can’t operate it itself, Legal Sports Betting surmises. BWW kiosks for sports wagering in its restaurants probably won't become a reality any time soon.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
