How much does an actual bus weigh? How many are there in Pennsylvania?
FanDuel has recruited Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Jerome “The Bus” Bettis, for a new video series called Over or Under, which debuted last week.
In the first installment, Bettis took a shot at answering the aforementioned questions. He guessed under 20,000 pounds on the weight of an actual bus (it’s about 30,000) but correctly guessed over 8,000 on the number of actual buses in Pennsylvania (it’s above 55,000).
Bettis should give FanDuel a marketing boost
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, FanDuel announced its partnership with Bettis in August. Expect to see a lot more of Bettis in FanDuel-related content, as the company vies to be the biggest name in Pennsylvania sports betting.
Last week its biggest competitor arrived in Pennsylvania just south of Pittsburgh. The Meadows Casino and Racetrack in Washington opened a DraftKings-branded retail sportsbook on. Pending approval by the Pennsylvania Gaming and Control Board, the company should open an online sportsbook later this month.
And thus, a big name and charming personality like Bettis should help FanDuel’s marketing efforts in what figures to be some healthy sports betting competition across the state.
FanDuel, DraftKings consistent leaders in NJ sports betting
In neighboring New Jersey, DraftKings and FanDuel are the clear leaders among sports betting brands. In September, DraftKings led the state in online betting revenue, according to Legal Sports Report. DraftKings helped the Resorts AC license generate more than $8.5 million in online revenue (a portion of which was produced by FOX Bet).
FanDuel finished second in New Jersey with more than $2.5 million in revenue during September. Taken together, the two entities accounted for $11 million of New Jersey’s $12.5 million in digital revenue during September.
FanDuel also led the state’s retail sportsbooks in September revenue with a total of $4.38 million.
How will the FanDuel/DraftKings competition look in PA?
It will be interesting to see how the competition for FanDuel and DraftKings shapes up in the Keystone State. With FanDuel’s retail sportsbook situated in Valley Forge, a heavy foot traffic and tourism area, it’s possible the company can maintain its position as a retail sportsbook leader in Pennsylvania as well.
On the online front, DraftKings is playing from behind. FanDuel’s sportsbook app launched in late July, likely giving it at least three-month headstart before the DraftKings offering arrives.
Expect the DraftKings app to feature some generous promotions aimed at recruiting new players once it is approved by the PGCB. And beyond that, expect some healthy competition that should provide numerous betting options for PA players.
There will also be some aggressive marketing and promotions by both sides.
And for FanDuel, they are certain to use the Bus again sometime soon.