DraftKings enjoys a legal sports betting monopoly in New Hampshire through an exclusive partnership with the state’s lottery. The Boston-based sportsbook operator is making the most of that partnership in both the retail and online sectors of the industry.
The latest collaboration between DraftKings and the New Hampshire Lottery involves Filotimo Casino & Restaurant. DraftKings already operates a retail book at the casino’s Manchester location. The company recently announced plans to open a retail sportsbook in Dover.
DraftKings’ Dover Sportsbook
The new venue in Dover will offer multiple sports betting kiosks surrounded by 11 different viewing screens for the games. There will also be food and beverage service in the form of a sports bar. It has been described as a “sports bar atmosphere customers love.”
DraftKings Sportsbook in Dover will be located at 887 Central Avenue in Rollinsford. The property that currently houses Filotimo Casino & Restaurant is shared between the city of Dover and the town of Rollinsford.
This will be New Hampshire’s third retail sportsbook under the DraftKings’ brand. The first is DraftKings Sportsbook at The Brook in Seabrook. This first opened for business in August of 2020. The venue in Manchester opened last September.
The new sportsbook in Dover will offer similar features as the first two facilities. DraftKings has added a social gaming aspect to its New Hampshire sportsbooks. Options include various games of chance along with a bowling ally and video game arcade.
The general concept is family fun along with the ability to place legal wagers on the games. Online gaming through the DraftKings’ mobile sportsbook app accounts for the majority of New Hampshire’s monthly betting volume. However, the retail segment is an excellent way to engage sports fans.
Retail Sports Betting in New Hampshire
Filotimo Casino & Restaurant gained notoriety for Manchester’s South Side Tavern before the days of legal sports betting. This is the current site of DraftKings’ Manchester sportsbook.
Charlie McIntyre is the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Lottery. He released the following statement on the new plans:
“Sports betting has been a success in New Hampshire since launching nearly two years ago and we are pleased to continue working with DraftKings and Filotimo Casino & Restaurant to expand sports betting opportunities for our players.”
Citing New Hampshire as a premier sports betting destination in the Northeast, he went on to add:
“And we know this location (Dover) will continue to make a positive impact on our ongoing efforts to maximize revenue for our schools here in New Hampshire.”
A statement released by DraftKings’ Senior Director of Retail Sportsbooks Michael Kibort highlighted these sentiments with:
“DraftKings is proud to be a brand consumers know and trust, and we remain excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we expand digital sports entertainment in New Hampshire.”
DraftKings has described its retail sports betting division as a “premier skin-in-the-game viewership experience.” Retail books are an excellent way to connect with sports fans and bettors in a social setting.
Legal online sports betting in New Hampshire was first launched on Dec. 30, 2019. DraftKings remains the exclusive sportsbook operator of the New Hampshire Lottery as the governing body.
