Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: DraftKings Ends Operation in the UK After Nearly Eight Years

Brazil.- October 8, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com DraftKings, one of the leading fantasy sports platforms, announced the closure of its fantasy operations in the UK last Friday (4th).

This decision is part of a larger strategy to optimize its global business. The company notified UK app users by email about the immediate withdrawal of the product from the market.

The company assured customers that they could withdraw their funds and that the in-game currency would be converted into US dollars.

Since its entry into the UK market in February 2016, DraftKings introduced an American style of fantasy sports, offering tournaments for the NFL, NBA, golf, and UK football leagues.

The company also signed a sponsorship deal with Liverpool FC of the Premier League to promote its entry into the market. The license granted by the Gambling Commission allowed DraftKings to operate locally, expanding its offerings to British audiences.

A DraftKings spokesperson explained that the decision to end operations in the UK is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to optimize its global activities. “We are grateful to all our customers in Britain and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition,” the spokesperson said.

The company now intends to focus its efforts on markets it considers more promising, such as the US sports betting market.

Other Companies Leaving the UK Market Besides DraftKings

DraftKings’ decision is not an isolated case. In May 2018, Yahoo also exited the UK market, and FanDuel operated for only a few months in 2016. The departure of DraftKings has left many DFS players in the UK without options, as noted by users on social media.

One user lamented on Twitter that DraftKings’ exit left British players “with virtually zero options” for fantasy sports.

To strengthen its presence in the UK, DraftKings acquired the player database from TransferKings in June 2016. This acquisition aimed to expand the user base and reach a larger audience of fantasy football fans.

Additionally, the company opened an office in London to support its operations, although it currently houses mostly data science teams.

Despite ending operations in the UK, DraftKings continues to expand its global presence. In 2023, the company established itself in Malta, Germany, Austria, and Australia, seeking new growth opportunities outside the UK.

Edited by: @_fonta
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