While DraftKings does not have a gaming license in Nevada, the fantasy sports and sports betting company has still signed a sponsorship agreement with the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ Center for Gaming Innovation.
The deal will lead to a new research and development studio at the school and allow DraftKings to recruit UNLV graduates in the area of casino game research and development.
The deal is reported as a $100,000 multiyear sponsorship agreement the Boston-based company and the university.
Daniel Sahl, director of the center, told the Las Vegas Sun that DraftKings reached out to the university.
“We were happy to meet with them and talk about our great students and some of the cool ideas that come out of the center,” Sahl said. “As we were discussing some of the intellectual property that might be available to them, they offered to partner with us more closely, which is where the idea for the studio came about.”
DraftKings also wants to recruit UNLV graduates.
“Both DraftKings and UNLV are on the leading edge of developing the next wave of technology within the international gaming industry,” Paul Liberman, DraftKings co-founder, said in a press statement. “Through this agreement, DraftKings not only has access to the latest ideas coming out of the Gaming Innovation studio, but it also allows us to deepen our relationship with the Las Vegas community,” Liberman said.
The sponsorship allows DraftKings advertising to be placed in different areas of UNLV’s Fulton Building.
“Now more than ever, we are delighted to collaborate with a company that is well-known for embracing innovation in gaming,” Sahl told the Sun. “This collaboration will help ensure that Nevada remains the global leader in gaming development and manufacturing, both now and in the future.”
