It’s the end of two eras with one big decision at DraftKings.
DraftKings is making a significant move by closing its live dealer studio at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, New Jersey, signaling the end of two eras.
The Boston-based company plans to shut down this studio on January 31st as part of a shift to a third-party studio following its integration with Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG).
This studio allowed customers to enjoy online gaming with a human dealer and solely supported DraftKings' iGaming operations in New Jersey. Although DraftKings has been running live dealer games from this site since last year, it will now collaborate with another studio in Atlantic City.
While the company's live dealer services will continue uninterrupted, this change unfortunately results in over 100 job losses.
Chapter Ending for Golden Nugget
This decision impacts both DraftKings and the Golden Nugget, marking the end of a significant era.
The Golden Nugget began live dealer games in 2016 and expanded in 2021, having launched the first online live dealer operation in the U.S.
The studio continued its operations after Golden Nugget Online Gaming was acquired in 2022. DraftKings reopened it but, after two years, chose a different direction. The integration of the acquired company into DraftKings’ iGaming offerings remains unclear.
DraftKings Online Casino Future
DraftKings, founded in 2012, now operates its Sportsbook online and in physical locations across 28 states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario, Canada.
In addition to offering live dealers and virtual slots, it provides a wide range of games for New Jersey and Pennsylvania customers. Additionally, DraftKings offers a diverse selection of online casino games for customers in Connecticut, Michigan, and West Virginia.
After January 31st, online casino players may notice changes in the gaming environment while transitioning away from live dealers. Although the physical setting may differ, the DraftKings branding will remain prominent.
The company is planning to maintain its current gaming offerings during the shift. Casino games listed in its lobby include:
- VIP Baccarat
- Live American Roulette
- Fun Fun 21
- Cashback Blackjack
- Adventures Beyond Wonderland
DraftKings’ iGaming sites feature branded live dealer tables alongside shared tables from third-party providers like Playtech and Evolution, which serve multiple operators. It remains to be seen how much of an impact the move will have on DraftKings' online casino's look and revenue.
