Legal online sports betting is the driving force behind the legal US industry. Instant availability, ease of use, and overall convenience make mobile betting the obvious choice of sports fans wherever available.
However, there is still something to be said about betting the games at a retail sportsbook in a land-based casino. Prior to 2018, that experience only existed in the state of Nevada. Las Vegas become the place to be for popular betting events such as the Super Bowl and NCAA Tournament.
The Value of Retail Sportsbooks
More and more states are opening up their borders to offer legal betting on sports. Major players in the game such as FanDuel and DraftKings recognize the important role that retail sportsbooks can play in their overall brand marketing strategy.
A few months back, Connecticut joined the growing list of states offering legal sports betting. The rollout began at Mohegan Sun with its sports betting partner FanDuel. At the same time, Foxwoods Resort Casino also went live with its operating partner DraftKings.
The Brand New DraftKings Sportsbook at Foxwoods
Heading into the heart of the holiday season, DraftKings Sportsbook at Foxwoods is now open to the betting public. The soft opening took place on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Taking the concept of retail sportsbooks to a whole new level, this could be the first East Coast venue built in the spirit of all those iconic Las Vegas books.
This sportsbook covers two separate floors totaling more than 12,000 square feet of space. The centerpiece is a 50 ft by 30 ft LED monitor as the highlight of the viewing options. There is an additional 300 feet of linear space dedicated to viewing screens surrounding the space.
There are two full-service bars with dining service on each floor. Plush furniture to enhance the viewing experience is located throughout the venue. Each bar features more than two dozen different beers on tap.
Betting options vary from a central betting window with cashiers to individual betting kiosks. Fans can even bet the games through the DraftKings’ mobile betting app for the ultimate inconvenience.
Jason Guyot is Foxwoods’ president and chief executive officer. His statements to the press ahead of the official opening included:
“We wanted to do something here that no one can match. That LED screen is like something you’d see at Gillette Stadium.”
Prior to the opening, Foxwoods invited the media to a sneak preview of the facility. It did not announce news of the actual opening until Friday morning. The next day at 9:30 a.m., the DraftKings Sportsbook officially opened for business.
The temporary sportsbook was housed in Foxwood’s designated area for horse betting. The new sportsbook was built in the space that was originally occupied by the Stoney Brook Brewery.
Other Retail Sports Betting Options in Connecticut
Built into the laws legalizing sports betting is a provision for up to 15 retail sportsbook locations. Regulated by the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, six of those locations have already opened.
Also included in these provisions is a 25-mile buffer zone from the two existing casinos. Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, and the Connecticut Lottery are the only three gaming entities authorized to offer legal sports betting in the state.
