- WynnBET is the digital gaming division of Wynn Resorts that operates the company branded mobile sportsbook app.
- WynnBET has also announced they’re seeking licensing in the state of Virginia.
- WynnBET joins Penn National Gaming and BetMGM as an Authorized Gaming Operator of NASCAR.
NASCAR was one of the first major sports organizations to embrace sports betting back when most were using their political power to oppose it. That likely had something to do with the history of the sport that descended from Southern moonshine bootlegging. They’ve run a race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for years and until recently counted among their drivers Brendan Gaughn, son of South Point owner Michael Gaughan.
Now that every sports organization in the United States is trying to get on the sports betting gravy train NASCAR hasn’t fallen behind. They’ve added a ‘Bet Center’ section to the official NASCAR website and have emphasized betting content elsewhere in their social media ecosystem. They’ve also started to develop partnerships with sports betting companies with the most recent being a just announced deal with WynnBET.
WynnBET is the digital gaming division of Wynn Resorts and among other things is responsible for the company’s sports betting app. The app is already live in Nevada and New Jersey and coming soon to Colorado. Based on the verbiage in today’s press release WynnBET will be looking to operate in other states as well. Here’s what Tim Clark, NASCAR Senior VP and chief digital officer had to say about his organization’s multi-year partnership with WynnBET:
“We’re excited to partner with such a deeply experienced and innovative team to drive engagement and expand our sports betting offerings. Wynn is a trusted and iconic brand and our new relationship advances NASCAR’s position in the rapidly evolving gaming space while delivering fans with yet another live-in race engagement tool.”
WynnBET’s PR agency definitely earned their pay with this paragraph:
WynnBET is launching a nationally scaled sports betting business that is built upon the strength of its best-in-class brand offering with an innovative approach to sports betting products. WynnBET offers unique products comprised of one-of-a-kind experiences, unique social betting mechanics and a high-quality user experience evocative of the Wynn brand to drive engagement and to attract both new and existing loyal customers.
The other interesting takeaway from the press release is Wynn’s announcement that they’ll apply for licensing in Virginia. Virginia passed a bill legalizing sports betting–there’s a lot to dislike about their regulatory framework but at the same time the state is likely to be very lucrative despite their best efforts to the contrary:
As the historic 2020 NASCAR season reaches its penultimate race in Martinsville, Virginia, this weekend, WynnBET is formally submitting an application to become a legal gaming operator in the state of Virginia. Earlier this year, the Virginia state legislature passed a bill that will legalize sports betting and could grant up to 12 online sports betting licenses by the end of the year.
Wynn Resorts President Craig Billings had this quote alluding to the company’s future in Virginia as well as their partnership with NASCAR:
“Like Wynn, NASCAR is an iconic brand. Together, Wynn Interactive and NASCAR will provide sports bettors in Virginia with one-of-a-kind experiences, both digitally and at NASCAR facilities in the Commonwealth.”
The press release even hit up the presidents of the two NASCAR tracks in the state of Virginia. Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell had this to say:
“We take great pride in providing fans with an unforgettable experience at our race track and WynnBET is best-in-class in delivering a premium experience to its customers. We are excited about what this new venture could mean for the Commonwealth of Virginia and for our loyal fans visiting our track in the years to come.”
Richmond Raceway president Dennis Bickmeier also chimed in with these comments:
“Richmond Raceway and WynnBET have a number of shared attributes. We are both strong, trustworthy brands that believe deeply in customer hospitality and creating incredible experiences. We wish the Wynn well in their future endeavors here in the great Commonwealth of Virginia and look forward to years of successful partnership.”
WynnBET like a number of other sportsbooks is working to enhance their NASCAR betting options with an emphasis on an upgraded live betting experience:
WynnBET will expand the portfolio of bet types offered on its mobile app throughout the NASCAR season, including pre-race and in-play bets. Bet types currently being explored include top-finishing drivers, driver matchups, stage winners and bets tied to the number of the winning car (over/under), among others. Beginning in 2021, WynnBET will offer live, in-play betting through a partnership with Genius Sports and live betting product, Betgenius, as the sport continues to strengthen its position around in-play sports betting.
We’ll have more about sports betting in Virginia coming soon. It doesn’t look as bad as the sports betting mess in neighboring Tennessee but that’s not really much of a compliment.
