DraftKings & BetMGM Expand Retail Sportsbook Footprint in Puerto Rico

Lucas Dunn
By: Lucas Dunn
World
Retail Sportsbook in Las Vegas

Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Key Takeaways

  • The betting hub runs 24/7 with staffed counters and self-service kiosks
  • Responsible gaming tools integrated to promote safe wagering
  • BetMGM opens a retail sportsbook at Mayaguez Resort and Casino

DraftKings has expanded its North American footprint with the November 14 launch of its inaugural Puerto Rico retail sportsbook at Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. The debut coincided with the venue’s fourth anniversary celebrations. The partnership with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and hospitality firm LionGrove introduces a 24/7 betting hub featuring staffed counters, self-service kiosks, and a sports lounge.

Former Yankees star Jorge Posada placed the ceremonial first bet during ribbon-cutting festivities at the casino, which already hosts 250 gaming machines and tables. Paul Liberman, DraftKings’ President of Operations, emphasized the sportsbook’s alignment with Puerto Rico’s sports culture, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring our retail sportsbook to the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and look forward to providing eligible customers with a fun, seamless, and responsible way to engage with their favorite sports.

Expansion and Responsible Gaming Focus

DraftKings confirmed plans to expand into Puerto Rico’s online sports betting market pending regulatory clearance, adding to its existing operations across 28 US states, Washington D.C, and Ontario. The company and Foxwoods leaders highlighted responsible gaming measures, including tools like My Budget Builder and My Stat Sheet, to promote safe wagering practices.

Leadership Support

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler emphasized the collaborative effort, stating, “We’re proud to continue building on our legacy of innovation and entertainment at Foxwood El San Juan Casino. The addition of the DraftKings retail sportsbook marks another exciting milestone as we deliver new experiences to guests and sports fans in Puerto Rico.”

LionGrove CEO Andro Nodarse-Leon added that the sportsbook reinforces Foxwoods El San Juan’s status as a “world-class entertainment destination,” aligning with efforts to attract both local and international visitors.

Market Competition

BetMGM has also expanded its Puerto Rico footprint with a new retail sportsbook at Mayaguez Resort and Casino, the territory’s first licensed sports betting venue. The expansion builds on the company’s 2021 market-access agreement with Casino del Mar at La Concha Ranch.

Paulson Puerto Rico, which manages Casino del Mar, aims to replicate San Juan’s success through satellite locations across the island. President Rolando Padua emphasized, “The goal is to replicate the same success achieved in San Juan… That way, residents from other areas will have access to the same quality entertainment experience that has made Casino del Mar and BetMGM so successful.”

Lucas Michael Dunn is a prolific iGaming content writer with 8+ years of experience dissecting it all, from game and casino reviews to industry news, blogs, and guides. A psychology graduate and painter that transitioned into the iGaming world, his articles depend on proven data and tested insights to educate readers on the best gambling approaches. Beyond iGaming content craftsmanship, Lucas is an avid advocate for responsible play, focusing on empowering players to strike a balance between thrill and informed choices.