Oregon approves DraftKings to replace Scoreboard as its sole mobile betting operator

The Oregon Lottery Commission voted August 26 DraftKings as its new mobile betting operator, thus switching from previous provider Scoreboard, which offered its solution in the state throughout the past three years.

The Oregon Lottery allows only one sports betting operator to offer residents in the state mobile betting, a closed betting market model, in comparison to states that grant in-person and mobile betting to various operators.

On the reason behind the decision, Oregon Lottery executive director Barry Pack stated: “There are a number of business benefits in terms of simplifying some of the structure and there are player benefits as the experience will be improved on the new platform.”

Planned dates for the transition from the SBTech platform that has powered Scoreboard since 2019 to the new updated DraftKings solution have not been announced yet. Before the transition is completed, a waiting period is being contemplated in which the technical specifications of the switch will be analyzed.

DraftKings is currently in the process of migrating from its previous solution, powered by Kambi, to SBTech, expected to be completed in Q3 2021. As a result, the Oregon Lottery will basically still be working with SBTech, although by different providers.

The Commission is set in minimizing potential disruptions and loss of revenue resulting from the migration, with intentions to make the process “as seamless as possible.” Despite this commitment, customers will still need to register for a new DraftKings account following the transition.

“The DraftKings platform is more familiar to US bettors, while the SBTech platform is more similar to a European design,” further added Pack. The migration was approved by all four members of the Commision.

Although the switch could cause a dip in revenue following immediate launching, as re-registering could possible turn some customers away, the decision is expected to be of benefit in the long run.

In July, Scoreboard posted revenue of $2.2 million, down from $2.8 million in June, and $18.2 million in total sports handle.