ZenSports’ peer-to-peer sports betting product, which has focused entirely on the international market since launching in March 2019, has taken its first step towards getting licensed in the United States.
Through a deal inked with Strategic Gaming Management, ZenSports has acquired an option to purchase the Big Wheel Casino located in Lovelock, Nevada, with an additional option to operate the sportsbook at Baldini’s Sports Casino in Reno. Both agreements will give ZenSports the physical presence required by the Nevada Gaming Control Board to operate its mobile sports betting platform in the state.
According to ZenSports co-founder and CEO Mark Thomas, “One of the biggest hurdles in getting licensed to operate an internet/mobile sports betting platform in the United States is the requirement to own or partner with a land-based sportsbook and casino. Through our great relationship with Strategic Gaming Management, we were able to secure the option to purchase this business in Nevada, which is the first critical step in getting ZenSports licensed and operating in the state.”
“ZenSports is proving to be a force in the mobile and peer-to-peer sports betting world,” said Strategic Gaming CEO Grant Lincoln. “We’re excited to help give them an opportunity to expand into the Nevada market and make ZenSports a household name here.”
ZenSports has retained the law firm of Saltzman Mugan Dushoff in Las Vegas to assist with the Nevada licensing process, and with BMM Testlabs for the technology certification process.
“We look forward to bringing ZenSports to Nevada as a premier gaming licensee as soon as our applications can be approved,” according to Thomas.
