Hard Rock has hinted at potential partnerships with commercial sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings in Florida.
Hard Rock International chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen (pictured) has hinted at the potential for partnerships with commercial sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings in Florida.
In conversation with CNBC’s Contessa Brewer at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, Allen expressed a willingness to explore collaborations with major brands, despite holding the state’s sports betting monopoly.
Hard Rock secured its exclusive control of sports betting in Florida through a 30-year gaming compact with the state, which will remain in effect until 2051.
Earlier this month, the US Supreme Court denied a petition challenging the compact.
The deal came after a contentious battle in 2021, when Flutter-owned FanDuel, DraftKings, and Penn Entertainment pushed for statewide legalisation of sports betting, only to be thwarted.
When asked about FanDuel CEO Amy Howe’s recent comments regarding her company’s renewed interest in entering the Florida market, Allen revealed that discussions had already taken place.
“Whether it’s FanDuel or DraftKings, we’ve actually developed a great relationship with them,” Allen said.
“We do recognise that long term, some type of strategic relationship with some of the brands that really have marquee value could be helpful to both of us, and we are receptive to those conversations,” he said.
Allen confirmed that he had met with executives from both companies over the previous two days.
FanDuel and DraftKings reportedly declined to comment on the possibility of forming a deal with Hard Rock.
However, at a recent Flutter Entertainment investor event, Howe emphasised Florida, California, and New York as the “super states” her company is focused on.
While Allen was tight-lipped about the financial performance of sports betting in the state, citing the sovereignty of the Seminole Tribe, Florida’s potential is hard to ignore.