FanDuel announced in a tweet that “It’s go time” in Virginia. Customers responded on Twitter that the FanDuel website and app wasn’t yet operational, but the company is expected to begin taking bets as soon as Thursday evening.
Virginia becomes the 19th state to offer legalized sports wagering.
It’s not clear why FanDuel was given a head start over several other operators vying for market space in Virginia, but the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports it may be because of a partnership between FanDuel and the Washington Football Team, which is headquartered in northern Virginia.
FanDuel has also partnered with DC United, which will host a retail FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field in the District of Columbia.
The Virginia Lottery is responsible for approving sports betting licenses. Many of the top sports betting operators including BetMGM, DraftKings, Penn National’s Barstool Sportsbook and WynnBet are all competing for licenses, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
By receiving first access, FanDuel has an opportunity to develop a wide customer base before its competitors can begin operations.
Up to 14 operators are seeking licenses in the state. Earlier this month a bill was prefiled in the Virginia General Assembly which would increase the cap on sports betting licenses.
