FanDuel To Open Tech Hub In Atlanta Creating 900 New Jobs

• FanDuel is launching a new campus in Atlanta to create tech jobs for local residents.
• The tech hub will create 900 new jobs.
• This is a $15 million venture.

ATLANTA – While sports betting failed to launch in Georgia during the legislative sessions earlier this year, it seems the Peach State will be accepting FanDuel in a different capacity.

FanDuel is opening a tech hub in Atlanta with the goal of creating 900 new jobs in the metro area over the next five years.

The tech hub will focus on the IT operations of the FanDuel product. This could be viewed as a PR move by the sports betting giant to gain early access in the potential Georgia sports betting market FanDuel Meets Atlanta

So far, there is positive reception of the news that FanDuel will be bringing these tech jobs to the metro Atlanta area. Governor Brian Kemp has publicly embraced the move, saying FanDuel’s decision to launch in Atlanta “is a testament to our world-class universities and tech training programs, as well as the diverse ecosystem of professional sports leagues and teams we’ve cultivated here.”

FanDuel is also sparing no expense. The hub would cost an estimated $15 million to build the new facility.

The popular sportsbook is also partnering with the state’s higher education system in order to train students in tech to create new career paths in Atlanta.

“We want to bring the excitement of our product to Georgia residents when and if the Legislature decides to take that up,” said said Chris Jones, a FanDuel vice president. “And we’ll support that if they do. But we feel Atlanta is best for our long-term growth. We didn’t approach this with the mindset that moving here begets legislation.”

FanDuel was reportedly drawn to Atlanta thanks to the diverse talent pool and the proximity to other major tech companies.

FanDuel was also impressed by the local HBCU’s and the potential direct line from university to corporation that could be created by FanDuel having operations in Atlanta.

“We’ve had a period of unprecedented growth, especially with technology hiring,” said Sarah Butterfass, Chief Product Office in an interview, highlighting the region’s diversity and wealth of historically Black colleges and universities. “We have a very diverse customer base. And if you think about how we’re building out the best product, we know we need to build with a diverse workforce.”

FanDuel has a long history of working to be in Georgia in some capacity. The company donated $70,000 since 2016 to both political parties in an effort to push the passing of legal sports betting legislations in Georgia.

While those efforts have yet to bear fruit, this tech company could give FanDuel enough positive press that should a market launch, they may have first dibs in launching a sportsbook.

News tags: Atlanta | Brian Kemp | Chris Jones | FanDuel | Flutter Entertainment | Georgia | Steve Wrigley