Washington Football Team is first NFL team to partner with sports betting company

The Ashburn-based Washington Football Team announced Monday a partnership with gaming company FanDuel Group to provide sports betting across the state. It’s the first NFL team to partner with an online sports bookmaker. 

Through the partnership, which was approved by the Virginia Lottery last week, FanDuel will serve as the operational partner for a betting permit held by the Washington Football Team. The Virginia General Assembly legalized online sports betting last year. The industry in Virginia is regulated by the Virginia Lottery, which also approved permits for DraftKings and BetMGM in recent days. 

“We’re honored to partner with an iconic sports franchise, and we plan to deliver the most fan-focused, and secure, mobile sports betting experience to the passionate sports fans of Virginia,” FanDuel CEO Matt King said in a statement.

Under the partnership, FanDuel will also have stadium signage at FedExField and offer “game day experiences” such as a special section of the stadium.

“When this truly unique opportunity presented itself, it was a natural fit to strategically align with our long-time partner, FanDuel, as we knew they’d establish a best in class sports betting marketplace, grounded by innovation and consumer protection,” Scott Shepherd, senior vice president of corporate partnerships and hospitality for the Washington Football Team, said in a statement. “We’re very excited for all this groundbreaking partnership will offer our valued fans throughout the commonwealth of Virginia as part of their game day experience.”

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