With DraftKings Coming to NASCAR, How Crucial Was Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Role in Making This Work?

Hot off the press! DraftKings and NASCAR, LLC have just shaken hands on a deal that’s setting the stage for some major action. They’ve inked a written agreement, and if all goes well with the licenses and official thumbs-up, DraftKings is set to make some noise in North Carolina, the home turf of none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. But wait, DraftKings isn’t just dipping its toes in the water – they’re diving in headfirst. They’ve snagged the title of the exclusive daily fantasy sports partner of NASCAR across the US and Canada. Plus, they’ve clinched the deal as an Authorized Gaming Operator of NASCAR.

Now, connecting the dots: Dale Earnhardt Jr, a North Carolina native, has been rubbing shoulders with DraftKings through his podcast. And guess what? He’s not shy about giving the nod to legalized betting. Could it be that his stamp of approval and local roots played a part in this big move? It’s food for thought, isn’t it? Maybe, just maybe, his influence helped DraftKings race to the front of the pack in this deal.

Was Dale Earnhardt Jr a driving force behind the DraftKings-NASCAR deal?

Let’s rewind to 2018. Dale Earnhardt Jr dropped a hint to USA TODAY Sports that spicing up the sport with betting could rev up more excitement, grab more eyeballs, and maybe even pack the stands. He said, “I think it would be a bonus for the sport to have the betting interest in. I think it would create more excitement, bring more attention, more people in attendance. I can see it having a ton of positives.”

Fast forward to December 2023, and there’s Junior, shooting the breeze with Denny Hamlin. He was curious about Hamlin’s two cents on how betting might change the game. Hamlin was seen on board, seeing it as a positive twist, though he was not ready to bet the farm on it just yet. He said, “I think it will have a good impact on the sport. A heavy impact is a stretch for now”. 

Here’s the thing: Dale Jr has always been a cheerleader for legalizing sports betting nationwide. When the Supreme Court flipped the script on PASPA in 2018, it was like a green light for states to call the shots on sports betting. But not every state was quick off the mark. Take North Carolina, for instance. They were only game for in-person betting at first. That all changed when Governor Roy Cooper gave the nod to the North Carolina sports betting law last June.

The expectation was that by the first half of 2024, online sports bookies would be joining the party legally. And guess what? It’s happening. But again: Did Dale Jr, as a big voice in NASCAR and a buddy of DraftKings through his podcast, nudge NASCAR towards this partnership? What’s the story behind the scenes?

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Well, interestingly, DraftKings isn’t the only player in the betting game teamed up with NASCAR. 

NASCAR is in partnership with another betting company

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NASCAR, known for its breathtaking races, teamed up with FanDuel, a big shot in the online gaming world, back in September 2023. The partnership is a whole new track for both, with FanDuel becoming an Authorized Gaming Operator of NASCAR. This means FanDuel gets to wave the NASCAR flag, using its brand and working together to roll out some thrilling betting experiences. They’re even blending odds into NASCAR’s fantasy platform.

But actually, FanDuel didn’t just join forces with NASCAR; they brought in NASCAR on FOX Analyst and racing legend Clint Bowyer as a FanDuel Ambassador. Even Bowyer’s on a mission to rev up race fans by showcasing what FanDuel has in store for NASCAR betting. For those in the loop, FanDuel’s already a big player in 19 states, including Pennsylvania, where folks can bet on sports right from their phones. Just a heads-up, though: you’ve got to be 21 or over to join this race. If betting’s got someone spinning their wheels, there’s help out there. A call to 1-800-GAMBLER can steer them in the right direction.

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Joe Solosky from NASCAR’s pit crew, who’s the managing director of sports betting, is pumped about this partnership. He’s all about giving fans more ways to get into the game and sees this deal with FanDuel as a victory lap for NASCAR. Besides that, NASCAR has also been shifting gears with nVenue, diving into the world of micro-betting. Meaning? Fans can bet on the nitty-gritty of each race, like who’s going to lead the next lap. NASCAR’s joining forces with nVenue, a whiz in micro-betting tech, to make this happen, promising fans an even more gripping race day experience.