DraftKings expands into Puerto Rico with Connecticut tribal partner's Foxwoods El San Juan

DraftKings and Connecticut-based Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation announced Monday they have signed a deal to expand their relationship and begin offering the DraftKings online and retail sports betting experience in Puerto Rico, subject to applicable licenses and regulatory approvals being obtained. 

The announcement comes following Foxwoods and DraftKings’ sports betting and iGaming launch in Connecticut on October 19, 2021.

The DraftKings retail sportsbook will be located inside the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and is expected to open in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approvals. Once complete, the space will feature a video wall, bar and dining services, two over-the-counter ticket windows and six betting kiosks.  

Foxwoods recently opened its permanent DraftKings sportsbook in Connecticut.

In addition to online and retail sports betting, DraftKings will be able to provide customers in Puerto Rico with its daily fantasy sports product, which is currently available in 44 states in the United States and operational in six countries internationally.

This milestone is part of Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods’ project to reopen El San Juan Casino as “Foxwoods El San Juan Casino”, in a redevelopment that had a $137.5 million price tag including resort enhancements and the reopening of the Tropicoro entertainment venue. 

In an official press release, Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America and Co-Founder, stated: “Since establishing our relationship with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods more than a year ago, we’ve seen immense success, which can be attributed to the collaborative efforts between the organizations and shared vision for providing customers with the very best. Puerto Rico is known for its rich and vibrant sports culture, and we look forward to being able to provide fans with a safe and legal form of sports betting through our retail and online sportsbooks.”

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler added: “We have made tremendous strides in the sports betting space in our relationship with DraftKings, who has continued to be a valuable partner, through our online and retail experiences in the state of Connecticut. As we expand our partnership with DraftKings to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico at the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, we are confident that we will continue to create unforgettable memories for customers and sports fans alike.”

The property officially opened to the public in a soft launch held in November 2021 after a ceremony that was attended by Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi, Mayor of Carolina José Carlos Aponte Dalmau, Tribal Council members, Foxwoods' President and CEO Jason Guyot and more. 

“This past January, We made the historic announcement that this iconic casino would reopen its doors. After a lot of work, today I am pleased to be present to formalize the opening of Foxwoods El San Juan casino. With Foxwoods El San Juan Casino’s capital investment of $12.5 million, the casino will positively impact our economy and create over 150 direct jobs. I remain committed to the economic development of our Island, through efforts like Foxwoods El San Juan Casino to boost tourism growth and investment in Puerto Rico”, Governor Pierluisi said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony last year.

DraftKings Sportsbook is now open at Foxwoods! Open 7 days a week, you can now make your picks, place your bets and enjoy food and drink at our all-new sports betting bar. 🏈🍺 pic.twitter.com/ehGRgC85ZA

— Foxwoods Resort Casino (@FoxwoodsCT) December 9, 2021

A month later, Foxwoods opened its permanent DraftKings sportsbook after the legalization of sports betting in Connecticut: a 12.000 square foot venue that now offers online sports betting and iGame options. During the opening ceremony, former Boston Celtic Kendrick Perkins placed the sportsbook’s first bet.