DraftKings marked a major milestone in its growth strategy outside the continental United States with the introduction of a new retail sportsbook inside Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. The venue officially opened on Nov. 14 as part of the property’s fourth-anniversary festivities, representing DraftKings’ first physical sportsbook in Puerto Rico. The project is a collaboration between DraftKings, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and LionGrove, the hospitality investment firm operating the historic resort.

The celebration featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a ceremonial first bet placed by former New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada. The newly launched space includes staffed windows, self-service wagering kiosks, and a dedicated sports lounge designed to serve both local bettors and visiting sports fans. Foxwoods El San Juan Casino already features more than 250 table games and slot machines, enhancing its role as a major entertainment center in the Caribbean.

DraftKings President of Operations Paul Liberman highlighted the cultural fit between the company’s offerings and the island’s enthusiasm for sports, saying, “Puerto Rico has an incredible sports culture and a deep connection to entertainment. We’re thrilled to bring our retail sportsbook to the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and look forward to providing eligible customers with a fun, seamless, and responsible way to engage with their favorite sports.”

Company officials also reaffirmed plans to introduce online sports wagering in Puerto Rico once regulatory approval is granted. The territory joins the 28 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario where DraftKings already operates regulated sports betting platforms. Foxwoods and DraftKings leaders emphasized that responsible gaming remains a central focus of the launch, with tools such as My Budget Builder and My Stat Sheet made available to support safe play.

Partners Celebrate a Growing Tourism and Gaming Hub

Stakeholders underscored the collaborative effort behind the new sportsbook, noting its role in elevating the casino’s offerings. Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler stated, “We’re proud to continue building on our legacy of innovation and entertainment at Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. The addition of the DraftKings retail sportsbook marks another exciting milestone as we deliver new experiences to guests and sports fans in Puerto Rico.”

LionGrove Founder & CEO Andro Nodarse-Leon echoed that sentiment, saying, “The opening of the DraftKings retail sportsbook further elevates the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino as a world-class entertainment destination and reinforces our commitment to creating exceptional experiences for guests from Puerto Rico and around the world.”

BetMGM Expands Its Retail Footprint Across the Island

DraftKings is not the only operator strengthening its presence on the island. BetMGM recently introduced its own retail sportsbook at the Mayaguez Resort and Casino. The opening builds upon a 2021 market-access agreement with Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort, one of Puerto Rico’s most prominent gaming operators and the territory’s first casino licensed for sports betting under local regulatory rules. Casino del Mar is managed by Paulson Puerto Rico, a firm with a focus on hospitality and tourism-driven investments.

According to the DraftKings official announcement, Paulson Puerto Rico President Rolando Padua explained the broader strategy, noting, “The goal is to replicate the same success achieved in San Juan with the opening of new satellites all over Puerto Rico. That way, residents from other areas will have access to the same quality entertainment experience that has made Casino del Mar and BetMGM so successful.”

A Competitive Market Continues to Take Shape

Retail sportsbooks play a pivotal role in Puerto Rico’s sports betting ecosystem, particularly because only residents of the territory can use online betting platforms. Visitors, however, are limited to on-site wagering options, creating strong incentives for operators to expand their physical locations.

FanDuel already operates retail sports betting in Puerto Rico through a partnership with Caribbean CAGE, a company specializing in gaming terminals. Meanwhile, PrizePicks became the first daily fantasy sports operator to gain local market access earlier this year and plans to launch services in the coming months.

As DraftKings and BetMGM roll out new brick-and-mortar locations, Puerto Rico continues to evolve into a competitive regional hub for legalized sports wagering.