FanDuel preparing for New York legality?

With politicians racing the clock in trying to get daily fantasy sports legalised in New York as the week ended (see previous reports) the news broke that DFS market leader FanDuel is in partnership talks with land gambling company Western Regional Off-Track Betting as it prepares for a positive New York outcome.

Reporting on the talks, the Buffalo News said that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has already been signed by the two companies, although the agreement cannot yet be finalised until the New York legality question has been resolved…hopefully by lawmakers this week, which would render moot the state AG’s opinion that DFS is illegal in the state.

The newspaper examined possibilities for the partnership, suggesting that it could be a promotional agreement or a white label arrangement.

Western Regional operates the Batavia Downs racino and has 32 Off Track Betting Parlors, whilst FanDuel is contemplating an extension of its DFS offering into the live event space.

Ironically, Western Regional is a member of the New York Gaming Association, which has strongly fought against current DFS bills in lobbying for a situation in which its members would have access to DFS as part of their New York licensing.

The Buffalo News notes that the FanDuel – Western Regional deal follows the failure of a collaborative agreement between Fanduel and Sportech, which manages online wagering for Western Regional, and additionally is a white label provider to DraftDay, another DFS operator, which recently ended an agreement with Western Regional.

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