Will The New DraftKings Headquarters Advance Massachusetts Sports Betting Legislation?

• DraftKings opened its 105,000 square foot facility in Boston
• The company operates multiple sportsbooks across legal sports betting states.
• Governor Charlie Baker is hoping his gambling legislation will advance this year.

BOSTON – With the new headquarters of DraftKings being unveiled in Boston, the daily fantasy turned sports betting company and the state of Massachusetts are looking to have a long and luxurious relationship.

Last week, the ribbon cutting ceremony happened, where DraftKings allowed tours of their new 105,000 square foot single-story office building. In attendance was Governor Charlie Baker.

Baker introduced a sports betting bill in January that would allow operators like DraftKings to host an online sports wagering platform – without any connection to a casino. With only one casino in the state and another on the way, the ability to wager without a casino backing can create many more jobs and opportunities for players to wager.

This is the first sports betting bill that supports gambling without any ties to a casino.

Sports betting would be allowed on professional sporting events by those who are 21 and older. Betting on collegiate, high school, and esports events would be prohibited.

Baker believes that his plan would generate nearly $35 million in FY 2020 from legal sports betting revenue. Sportsbooks that are tied to casinos would be taxed at 10%, while those with no affiliation, like DraftKings, would be taxed at 12.5%. The money would benefit local aid in the communities of Massachusetts.

More About The Opening Of DraftKings HQ

Having an office for the first time, DraftKings is set to expand into an even larger company. Their 700 employees, 435 of which were hired last year, are excited about the amenities the company provides.

An in-house barber, manicurist, and full cereal bar are just the beginning of the benefits of working for DK. Private rooms for nursing mothers are also provided and the company allows for fully paid parental leave.

DraftKings is looking to employ another 500 employees, according to CEO Jason Robins.

“Our new headquarters will foster innovation while providing a true home-field advantage as we work toward our goal of being the ultimate sports entertainment destination for fans,” said Robins.

Robins is also one of the co-founders of the company.

Dedicating an area relating to each sport, the facility also has its own version of the Green Monster. Conference rooms around the facility are named after famous athletes and, of course, Tom Brady is one of the room names.

DraftKings And Sports Betting In Massachusetts Moving Forward

After his tour of the facility, Governor Baker became more excited about the possibility of his bill being approved by legislators.

“Our preferred option would be that this is something the Legislature takes up before they break for the summer, which will probably be somewhere around August, said Baker.”That would be the timeline we think makes sense because that would land before the start of the next NFL season.”

A system of regulations and rules for sports betting in Massachusetts have yet to be set; however, with Baker’s support, it is assumed they will get this done in no time.

“Massachusetts has been home to DraftKings since our inception, and we take immense pride in being part of the vibrant technology community here,” said Robins.

The DraftKings Headquarters is located on Berkeley Street a few steps away from the Boston Gardens.

News tags: DraftKings | Massachusetts | Massachusetts sports betting | sportsbooks