North American TV streaming provider Dish Network has partnered with DraftKings to introduce a betting app integration as part of a broader agreement between the two businesses.
In the latest convergence of broadcasting and betting in the US, the DraftKings app will be integrated on the Dish TV Hopper platform. Dish customers with an internet-connected Hopper receiver will be able to access the DraftKings app to view betting odds and fantasy contests.
Users can initiate bets or contest entries with DraftKings directly from their TV, then set recordings and watch the live sports that correspond with those bets or fantasy teams.
The two groups said the agreement also allows for subsequent DraftKings sportsbook and daily fantasy experiences with Dish Network’s Sling TV and Boost Mobile in the future.
“The integration with DraftKings is an exciting enhancement for our customers and a great addition to the growing Dish TV Hopper platform — a one-stop entertainment hub,” said Brian Neylon, Dish’s group president.
“We’re thrilled to work with DraftKings to amplify the sports-fan experience and extend the DraftKings footprint across our unique suite of services, including Sling TV and Boost Mobile, with potential applications across our 5G wireless buildout in the future.”
Dish said customers can open and use the DraftKings app while watching any live, on-demand, or recorded Dish content, either by voice or from the app menu.
“Our deal with Dish TV and the technology behind it immerses customers within a next-generation viewership experience and reaches these fanbases in a completely new way,” said Paul Liberman, president of product and technology and co-founder at DraftKings.
“This is a unique opportunity for fans to watch games and engage with our real-money products while the technology also allows for further innovation ahead.”
The partnership comes in the same week that sports-focused streaming platform FuboTV, a rival service to Dish’s Sling TV, completed its acquisition of sportsbook operator Vigtory as it accelerates towards the launch of its own Fubo Sportsbook. The brand has already secured its first market access deal in Iowa through Casino Queen.
FuboTV plans to launch its free-to-play predictive games in the third quarter of 2021, first to FuboTV subscribers and later to all consumers. Its sportsbook brand is expected to launch in the fourth quarter.
