‘A Perfect Fit’: DraftKings Acquires Vegas Sports Information Network

Today, DraftKings announced its acquisition of Vegas Sports Information Network, Inc. (VSiN), a multi-platform broadcast and content company that has been providing US sports bettors with sports betting news, analysis, and data since 2017.

The acquisition of the Las Vegas-based media company, VSiN, should not be unexpected. The company has backing from SeventySix Capital and Derek Stevens. Stevens, a Las Vegas casino operator, bought a 10% stake in VSiN in 2018.

Venture capital companies such as SeventySix Capital usually offload their investments for profit. DraftKings, with a billion dollars set aside to purchase companies with synergies, is a case in point. Matt Kalish, who co-founded DraftKings, spoke about the agreement on VSiN this morning.

‘It was evidently a perfect fit’

Today, DraftKings announced that they have acquired VSiN. Matt Kalish of DraftKings joined Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard on their show, Follow The Money, to discuss the acquisition. pic.twitter.com/shiwgZcIyH

This was tweeted by VSiN on March 30, 2021.

Content is king for DraftKings

DraftKings’ purchase of VSiN will enable it to expand its content, similar to other sportsbook operators. A press release states that this agreement will also allow VSiN to reach a wider audience, given that DraftKings Sportsbook currently operates in 14 states.

“DraftKings’ co-founder, CEO, and chairman of the board, Jason Robins, stated that VSiN produces genuine and reliable content that appeals to sports bettors of all experiences, from novices to veterans,”.

Besides its strong reputation among sports bettors and appealing talent line-up, VSiN also possesses a solid infrastructure that DraftKings can instantly aid in expanding. This is aimed at enhancing value for customers who wish to increase their understanding of sports betting.

VSiN, the company in focus, creates, manufactures, and circulates live sports betting content for up to 18 hours daily. They offer a continuous 24/7 stream and are available live on the internet through iHeartRadio. This platform also provides a variety of VSiN podcasts.

Local broadcast stations feature specific programs such as:

• Sportsnet by Rogers
• Networks of MSG
• NESN
• Pittsburgh AT&T
• Network of Marquee Sports

Video content from VSiN is also offered on streaming platforms such as FuboTV and Sling.

DraftKings plans to incorporate VSiN’s existing Las Vegas staff, including its on-air personalities, into its global workforce of 2,600. The company maintains that VSiN will keep its editorial independence.

Will VSiN’s use of odds provided by sportsbooks across the US change with the integration of DraftKings?

VSiN broadcast locations in Las Vegas

In 2017, VSiN began its broadcasting journey from a studio close to the sportsbook at the South Point. Later, when Stevens’ Circa Resort and Casino was inaugurated in 2020, part of the programming was shifted to a studio adjacent to the sportsbook there. The company has also been airing from a location within the BetMGM sportsbook at Mandalay Bay.

VSiN collaborates with numerous Las Vegas casino and sportsbook operators for broadcasting and advertising. DraftKings, on the other hand, does not yet run a sportsbook in Nevada. Even though DraftKings maintains that VSiN will keep its editorial control, it seems unlikely that all the content will stay entirely unchanged.

I find it hard to picture Michael Gaughan displaying DraftKings logos everywhere in the studio or book. My interpretation is that he’s receiving a personal profit, and the studio will create additional space for slots. Just a fun speculation. https://t.co/eIwRNZePty

Tweet by @BertlOsbornejr2, March 30, 2021

VSiN is not only an audio content company, but also a visual medium online and in several casinos. DraftKings has yet to disclose future plans for VSiN broadcasts, leading to much speculation about the future of the sports betting media outlet.

Existing casino broadcast locations are unlikely to promote a rival sportsbook operator. The video component can be halted to avoid any visual clashes online. However, this would only resolve a portion of the conflict that the existing casinos have with VSiN broadcasts.

DraftKings has the potential to internalize all operations, which would result in current studios needing to find new renters. South Point may also opt to abandon the studio and repurpose the space. There are numerous potential scenarios for the future of these broadcast sites.

DraftKings continues laying roots in Las Vegas

DraftKings has not yet established a sportsbook in Las Vegas, despite having laid a foundation in the city as it began offering sports betting across the US.

DraftKings, a sports betting company, began growing its Las Vegas team in 2018 by hiring Johnny Avello, a former Wynn bookmaker. By January 2020, the company had opened an office in the city, employing 300 people. Following a recent acquisition, DraftKings reports a 132% increase in its local workforce.

In November 2020, DraftKings further deepened its relationship with Las Vegas. The company, late in the year, announced a partnership with UNLV to launch the DraftKings Gaming Innovation Studio.

Will DraftKings Sportsbook launch in Nevada?

So, when can residents of Nevada start betting with DraftKings Sportsbook? One can easily start guessing based on a few potential openings of sportsbooks on the Vegas Strip.

• Resorts World is yet to announce whether they will operate the sportsbook or if it will be handled by an outside vendor when the property opens on the north end of the Vegas Strip this summer.
• Earlier this year, The Venetian was purchased. Despite the sportsbook at The Venetian being operated by William Hill, which is owned by Caesars, the previous Lagasse Stadium sportsbook at The Palazzo is still shut. Interestingly, The Palazzo sportsbook features a broadcast studio.
• The Tropicana is up for sale and a potential new casino operator may consider bringing in DraftKings to run its sportsbook.

Primarily an online sportsbook, DraftKings is urging the Nevada Gaming Control Board to revise the sports betting account regulations to accommodate remote sportsbook signups. Unlike other states, Nevada only permits the initiation of sports betting apps within the confines of a casino-based sportsbook.

DraftKings maintains partnerships with casinos across the nation, some of which have physical DraftKings sportsbook locations. Keep an eye out, as DraftKings Sportsbook is expected to eventually launch in Nevada.