Kindred Announces Launch in Washington
The Malta-based international gaming operator Kindred Group has revealed its intentions to launch its Unibet brand in the US Pacific Northwestern state of Washington through a partnership with the Swinomish Tribe and its Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes. The deal is expected to last for six years and will also include a five-year right to extend.
Kindred Group will launch its Unibet brand in the US Pacific Northwestern state of Washington thanks to a partnership with the Swinomish Tribe and its Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes. ©4311868/Pixabay
Only On-Site Mobile Betting at Casinos is Currently Legal in Washington
International gaming operator Kindred Group, who are mainly based out of Malta, has come out and revealed its plans to keep expanding its presence in the United States with the launch of its Unibet brand in the state of Washington. This will be achieved through a partnership with the Swinomish Tribe and its Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes.
The provisions of the deal specify that it will last for six years, while also including a five-year right to extend the partnership. Furthermore, Kindred and Swinomish will launch a co-branded Unibet and Swinomish retail sportsbook at the land-based casino.
It is worth noting that online betting or online sports betting is as of writing not yet legalized in the state of Washington, with the sole exception of mobile-on-property betting while players are physically present at land-based casinos.
As is somewhat par for the course, the launch of Kindred’s Unibet platform in Washington is subject to licensure and regulatory approvals by the state’s main gambling regulator. Provided that it successfully launches there, it would mark the seventh US state in which Unibet is currently offering sports betting.
Kindred to Pursue Further US Expansions in Markets with “Sustainable” Business Model Conditions
Speaking on the occasion of the announcement of Kindred’s plans to unveil Unibet in Washington state, Kindred senior vice president for North America, Manuel Stan, claimed the operator was very much looking forward to further its presence in the country, promising fans a top of the line betting experience thanks to its partnership with Swinomish Casino and Lodge:
“We are very excited to expand our footprint in the US, and to do so together with the Swinomish tribe. The opening of a Sportsbook Lounge at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge will allow us to offer best in class sports betting experience.”– Manuel Stan, Senior Vice President, Kindred Group, Press Release
Kindred’s press release went on to further clarify that it would continue to focus on further expanding its US operations, though namely in markets which support conditions for a “sustainable” business model.
Such a comment likely stems from the fact that, as of late, the realities of operating a sportsbook brand in the US has been challenging for many of the non-leading brands, highlighted by operators such as FuboTV recently announcing the closing down of its sportsbook operation. As of writing Unibet is also active in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia, as well as Ontario in Canada.
Kindred to Support Safer Gambling Week in the UK
In other news related to Kindred, the gaming operator announced in October 2022 that it would be throwing its weight behind this year’s Safer Gambling Week in the United Kingdom. This will likely come in the form of the brand donating its cut of shirt sponsorships for the soccer teams Middlesbrough FC and Rangers FC over the course of the week.
During the course of Safer Gambling Week, players from both teams will instead wear shirts fitted with a Zero % Mission logo on the front. This logo represents Kindred’s promise to reach the goal of 0% of revenues generated from harmful gambling by the end of 2023. The operator already seems to be on the right path here, given that recent data shows that around 3% of its revenue is derived from high-risk players.
For its part, Chief Commercial Officer of Middlesbrough FC, Lee Fryett, claimed the soccer club was pleased to be participating in the week, claiming its partnership with Kindred will help give back to the local community:
“We’re delighted to support and facilitate this initiative as part of Safer Gambling Week. Our partnership with Kindred is one that allows the club to continue to invest in all elements of our operations, including the MFC Foundation. In turn, this means we can fully support so many great activities and programs that provide tangible benefits to local communities.”– Lee Fryett, Chief Commercial Officer, Middlesborough FC, Press Release
Betfred USA Expanded into Washington Back in September 2022
And in other recent Washington state related news, prominent sportsbook operator Betfred USA Sports announced in September 2022 that it was finally going to launch its sportsbook offering at the Silver Reef Casino Resort in Washington.
Fans can expect the facility to house multiple high resolution video walls, sportsbook seating, several betting stations and self-service kiosks, and high-end food and beverage options.
Betfred USA Sports chief operating officer, Bryan Bennett, said that the operator, which already has a storied 50 year history, has been eyeing the state of Washington for quite some time now:
“We look forward to utilizing our 50 years of bookmaking experience to make the Betfred Sportsbook at Silver Reef Casino Resort the go-to destination for sports wagering in the state. We’ve long been eyeing the state of Washington and are excited to enter the market in partnership with Lummi Nation and the team at Silver Reef Casino.”
