Second DraftKings sportsbook opens in NH at Manchester casino
Opened at Filotimo Casino and Restaurant
Opened at Filotimo Casino and Restaurant
Opened at Filotimo Casino and Restaurant
A second DraftKings in-person sports betting location has opened in New Hampshire.
The location opened at the Filotimo Casino and Restaurant in Manchester, which is also home to South Side Tavern. The state will split half of the revenue with DraftKings. Ownership is hoping the sportsbook will give them a boost after shutting down amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Director of the New Hampshire Lottery Charlie McIntyre said one reason the location was chosen was because it already had a charitable gambling revenue as a site.
The distance from the state line also factored into the decision.
“Our stated intent is to take as much activity as we can from Massachusetts. Out of state money is the best kind of money,” McIntyre said.
Gov. Chris Sununu attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. He spoke about the importance of opening the facility now, rather than waiting for what he anticipates being improved economic times.
“We don’t want to be building in Spring of 2021. We want to be taking advantage of it and we are really setting that gold standard for having that balance of COVID and good economic success,” Sununu said.
Afterwards, Sununu placed a bet inside the facility that owners said is equipped with COVID-19 mitigators.
“I’m very comfortable with our employees and our customers coming here, having a good time and not being fearful of what’s been going on the last 6 months,” Filotimo Casino and Restaurant owner Dick Anagnost said.
Officials with the New Hampshire lottery said they are speaking to and working with other possible future retail locations but have not made announcements in regards to the next location.