Through its OpenBet platform, Scientific Games is to deliver sports betting services to three New York state casinos operated by the Oneida Indian Nation.
SG will support sportsbook launches at Oneida’s Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino and Point Place Casino – as soon as sports betting is authorised in New York.
SG and Oneida will submit the agreement to the National Indian Gaming Commission for review. “Being among the first Indian nations nationally to operate a sportsbook and among the first to offer sports betting in New York represents our commitment to entering this burgeoning market ready for rapid acceleration,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and Nation Enterprises CEO.
“After rigorous assessment of the supplier market, we determined that partnering with Scientific Games and SG Digital will give our players the best sports-betting experience starting on day one.
“During our search for a top-notch partner, SG Digital, backed by OpenBet and Don Best, was the only partner who demonstrated years of US sports experience with regard to odds, trading, and in-play data feeds. Further, this combined solution and expertise cemented our decision that SG Digital will offer the most intuitive and seamless US sportsbook experience for our guests,” continued Halbritter.
“Simply put, the combination of our partnership with SG Digital and our previously announced alliance with Caesars Entertainment, positions us to win big in New York.”
Jordan Levin, SG Digital’s group chief executive, said: “Sports betting is taking the US by storm, with quick-to-market operators in early regulated states seeing huge success. By partnering with the Oneida Indian Nation, who has secured the Caesars Entertainment brand, we’re planning to mirror that success in New York as soon as sports betting is authorised there.
“As the race to capture market share ensues, we have taken great care in our approach to put our customers and their players at the core of our development and overall experience design. Winning players’ hearts and minds is first and foremost in our thinking. Very often in consumer entertainment experiences, you get one chance to demonstrate your player-centricity, and a focus on getting this right straight out of the gate will decide the winners and losers in every state.”
Scientific Games said it will ensure that the Oneida can offer all sports betting activities that become authorised in New York state, which is something the partners anticipate will happen this year.