‘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. Since 2017, VSiN has provided news, analysis, and data on sports betting to US bettors.

It should not be surprising that the Las Vegas-based media company, VSiN, is up for sale. It has received investments from SeventySix Capital and Derek Stevens. In 2018, Stevens, a Las Vegas casino operator, bought 10% of VSiN.

SeventySix Capital, like other venture capital firms, usually vend their investments for a profit. DraftKings, along with a billion dollars set aside to buy companies that create synergy, enters the picture. This morning, Matt Kalish, who co-founded DraftKings, talked about the deal on VSiN.

‘It was evident that it was a perfect fit’

Today, DraftKings announced their acquisition of VSiN. Matt Kalish joined Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard on the program Follow The Money to discuss this development.

This was tweeted by VSiN on March 30, 2021.

Content is king for DraftKings

The purchase of VSiN will enable DraftKings to emulate other sportsbook operators and expand its content. A press release states that this agreement will also grant VSiN the opportunity to widen its viewer base, given that DraftKings Sportsbook is presently operating 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 experience levels, from seasoned veterans to those new to sports betting,”

Besides its reputation among sports bettors and an impressive talent roster, VSiN also boasts a well-established infrastructure. DraftKings can immediately contribute to its expansion, aiming to provide added value for consumers seeking to increase their understanding of sports betting.

VSiN, the company, creates, manufactures, and circulates up to 18 hours of live sports betting content daily. It provides its own 24/7 stream and can be accessed live online through iHeartRadio. iHeartRadio also features a variety of podcasts from VSiN.

You can find specific programs on local broadcast stations such as:

• Rogers’ Sportsnet
• MSG Networks
• NESN
• AT&T Pittsburgh
• Marquee Sports Network

Video content from VSiN is also available 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 assures that VSiN will retain “editorial independence.”

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

VSiN broadcast locations in Las Vegas

In 2017, VSiN initiated its broadcasts from a studio near the South Point’s sportsbook. Later, in 2020, some of its shows began broadcasting from a studio adjacent to the sportsbook at Stevens’ Circa Resort and Casino. The company has also been airing its programs from a location within the BetMGM sportsbook at Mandalay Bay.

VSiN maintains broadcasting and advertising affiliations with numerous casino and sportsbook operators in Las Vegas. On the other hand, DraftKings has yet to establish a sportsbook operation in Nevada. Although DraftKings asserts that VSiN will keep editorial control, it’s hard to believe that the content will remain completely unchanged.

I find it hard to imagine Michael Gaughan filling the studio or book with DraftKings logos. It seems like he is making a profit on the side, while the studio is planning to add more slots. Just indulging in some speculative fun. https://t.co/eIwRNZePty

Tweet by @BertlOsbornejr2 on March 30, 2021.

VSiN isn’t simply an audio content company – it also provides visual content online and in various casinos. DraftKings has yet to disclose their plans for future VSiN broadcasts, resulting in much speculation about the future of this sports betting media outlet.

Existing casino broadcast locations are unlikely to promote a rival sportsbook operator. The video component could be halted to avoid visual conflict online, but this would only partially resolve the conflict for the existing casinos with VSiN broadcasts.

DraftKings has the potential to internalize all operations, leaving the current studios in search of new occupants. South Point might also consider abandoning the studio to utilize the space differently. The future holds numerous possibilities for these broadcasting locations.

DraftKings continues laying roots in Las Vegas

DraftKings hasn’t yet established a sportsbook in Las Vegas, despite laying its foundation in the city since it began offering sports betting across the US.

In 2018, DraftKings began increasing its staff in Las Vegas, including the hiring of former Wynn bookmaker Johnny Avello. By January 2020, the company had established a Las Vegas office with a workforce of 300 individuals. Following its latest acquisition, DraftKings reports a 132% growth in its local employee count.

In November 2020, DraftKings further strengthened its ties with Las Vegas. The company announced a partnership with UNLV last year to launch the DraftKings Gaming Innovation Studio.

Will DraftKings Sportsbook launch in Nevada?

So, when can residents of Nevada start betting with DraftKings Sportsbook? It’s simple to start guessing based on a few potential sportsbook openings that might take place on the Vegas Strip.

• It is still yet to be announced by Resorts World whether they, or an external vendor, will be managing the sportsbook when the property opens on the north end of the Vegas Strip this summer.
• Earlier this year, The Venetian was sold. William Hill, owned by Caesars, runs the sportsbook at The Venetian. However, the previous Lagasse Stadium sportsbook at The Palazzo is still closed. Interestingly, The Palazzo sportsbook features a broadcast studio.
• The Tropicana is currently for sale. A potential new casino operator might choose to introduce DraftKings to manage its sportsbook.

Primarily operating as an online sportsbook, DraftKings is advocating for the Nevada Gaming Control Board to modify the sports betting account regulations to permit remote sportsbook registrations. This is unlike other states where remote registration is permitted. Currently, in Nevada, sports betting apps can only be initiated at a sportsbook located within a casino.

DraftKings has partnered with casinos across the nation, some of which host physical DraftKings sportsbook outlets. Keep an eye out as DraftKings Sportsbook will soon be launching in Nevada.