DraftKings has entered the Colorado sports betting market via Twin River Worldwide Holdings’ Mardi Gras Casino, according to a recent joint announcement.

Guests at the casino in Black Hawk will be able to place bets at the temporary retail sportsbook from Friday, July 10, 2020, while construction on a permanent location is underway.

“We are thrilled to come together to provide the most exciting, real-time gaming opportunities as sports begin to make their return.”

Temporary location:

Located on the first floor of Mardi Gras Casino, the temporary DraftKings Sportsbook will reportedly feature eight self-service betting kiosks, along with a cashier window and several large flat-screen TVs situated throughout the space.

Commenting on the new partnership, President and Chief Executive Officer for Twin River Worldwide Holdings, George Papanier, said in an official press release…

“This partnership with DraftKings allows us to provide an unmatched sports betting experience to Coloradans, not only with their mobile betting access, but also with this exciting DraftKings retail sportsbook location.

“We are looking forward to introducing our guests to the fully renovated space in the coming months and until that time, are glad to be able to give our guests the ability to safely start placing bets as many professional sports begin to resume in the coming weeks.”

Retail growth:

The new Colorado sportsbook will bring the number of DraftKings-branded retail locations to seven. The Boston, MA-based digital sports entertainment and gaming company currently has books in Iowa, Mississippi, New Jersey and New York.

Expected to be completed by the start of football season, the permanent sportsbook is currently under construction. Mardi Gras Casino and DraftKings will unveil the state-of-the-art sportsbook upon completion. The finished product will reportedly include a spacious feature bar along with a large wall of TVs and VIP Lounge area access.

Sports fans in the Centennial State will now be able to place bets in person and online on all major US sports, including both professional and college football, the same for basketball, baseball, golf, auto racing, and hockey, among other sports.

Safety precautions:

Also commenting on the new partnership, Chief Business Officer for DraftKings, Ezra Kucharz, said…

“As our partners at Mardi Gras Casino work to expand their current operations and location, we are thrilled to come together to provide the most exciting, real-time gaming opportunities as sports begin to make their return.

“DraftKings and Mardi Gras Casino are committed to providing a safe, immersive and entertaining gaming environment to ensure sports fans in Colorado have the most enjoyable experience possible.”

In addition to the new retail location, sports fans can also access DraftKings’ sportsbook via mobile download in Colorado on iOS and Android.

To ensure the safety of all guests, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of safety precautions including required face masks for all, social distancing, use of handheld thermometers, and increased cleaning and disinfecting, have been established by Mardi Gras Casino.

Affinity acquisition:

Announced in late January 2019, the Rhode Island-based gaming company [Twin River] acquired Las Vegas-based Affinity Gaming‘s subsidiary that owned Golden Gates, Golden Gulch and Mardi Gras, in Black Hawk, Colorado.