DraftKings, Foxwoods Resort Casino To Expand To Puerto Rico

April 5, 2022

DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation have reached an agreement to expand their relationship and pave the way for the DraftKings online and retail sports betting experience to be available in Puerto Rico, subject to applicable licenses and regulatory approvals.

The news follows the successful introduction of sports betting and iGaming in Connecticut by Foxwoods and DraftKings on October 19, 2021.

β€œSince establishing our relationship with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods more than a year ago, we’ve seen immense success, which can be attributed to the collaborative efforts between the organizations and shared vision for providing customers with the very best,” said Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America and co-founder.

β€œPuerto Rico is known for its rich and vibrant sports culture, and we look forward to being able to provide fans with a safe and legal form of sports betting through our retail and online sportsbooks.”

In addition to online and retail sports betting, DraftKings will have the opportunity to provide customers in Puerto Rico with its legacy daily fantasy sports product, which is currently available in 44 states in the United States and operational in six countries internationally, pending receipt of the necessary licenses and regulatory approvals.

The DraftKings retail sportsbook will be housed within the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and is anticipated to operate in the following weeks, subject to the acquisition of all necessary licenses and regulatory clearances.

The room will have a giant video wall, a bar and dining facilities, two over-the-counter ticket windows, and six betting kiosks.

El San Juan Casino reopening in 2021

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods unveiled intentions to revive the renowned El San Juan Casino as the "Foxwoods El San Juan Casino" in January 2021. The premium casino destination's refurbishment featured $137.5 million in resort upgrades, including the reopening of the famed Tropicoro entertainment theater.

On November 17,  Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierlusi, Mayor of Carolina JosΓ© Carlos Aponte Dalmau, Tribal Council members, Foxwoods' President and CEO, local leaders, and representatives of the community gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"As planned, we are thrilled to finally reopen our doors after five years and deliver exciting new gaming and entertainment experiences to the wonderful people of Puerto Rico and visitors from afar," said Stuart I.C. Levene, Managing Director/GM of Foxwoods El San Juan Casino.

"This property has been emblematic for Puerto Rico and thus our intent was to maintain the rich history of the venue, and we truly believe the casino's new identity beautifully pays homage to the casino's legendary history. Today marks the beginning of an iconic new chapter for Puerto Rico's gaming innovation, and we're excited for all to experience the revitalized Foxwoods El San Juan Casino firsthand."

The Foxwoods El San Juan Casino then welcomed thousands of guests eager to experience hundreds of the most recent slot machines, top table games, and first-rate service that compliments the resort's well-appointed luxury lodgings and facilities.

β€œWe have made tremendous strides in the sports betting space in our relationship with DraftKings, who has continued to be a valuable partner, through our online and retail experiences in the state of Connecticut,” said Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler.

β€œAs we expand our partnership with DraftKings to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico at the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, we are confident that we will continue to create unforgettable memories for customers and sports fans alike.”

Jake
Jake Williams
Jake Williams is a sports gambling expert. He's been writing in the sports betting and DFS industry for over a decade. He specializes in MLB and NBA, along with College Basketball and College Football.