DISH-DraftKings deal brings sports betting to TV

DraftKings and DISH Network announced an agreement Wednesday that will enable users to make bets directly from their televisions.

Customers with the DISH TV Hopper platform will be able to access betting odds and DraftKing's daily fantasy contests while also initiating bets with the sportsbook. The agreement also allows for future integration of DraftKings' products with DISH's Sling TV and Boost Mobile.

The deal will only be available in states where online gambling is legal.

"We're thrilled to work with DraftKings to amplify the sports-fan experience, and extend the DraftKings footprint across our unique suite of services, including SLING TV and Boost Mobile, with potential applications across our 5G wireless buildout in the future," said Brian Neylon, DISH TV group president.

DISH TV customers with an internet-connected Hopper family receiver will be able to access the DraftKings app to make wagers, then set recordings and watch the events that correspond with those bets or fantasy teams.

After a bet or fantasy contest entry is initiated, customers will receive a text message to complete the transaction within the DraftKings app.

"Our deal with DISH TV and the technology behind it immerses customers within a next-generation viewership experience and reaches these fanbases in a completely new way," said Paul Liberman, president of product and technology and co-founder at DraftKings. "This is a unique opportunity for fans to watch games and engage with our real-money products while the technology also allows for further innovation ahead."

While shares of DraftKings were down more than 2 percent in after-hours trading on Wednesday, the news had a much bigger impact on FuboTV, which plummeted more than 17 percent.

In addition to modest earnings results the previous day, the DISH-DraftKings partnership presents a direct challenge with Sling TV.

FuboTV CEO David Gandler said the streaming brand plans to launch an integrated sports betting platform by the fiscal fourth quarter.

--Field Level Media