DraftKings adds to sports portfolio with Belmont Stakes partnership

Fantasy sports operator DraftKings has agreed a deal to become the presenting sponsor of the 2015 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, a US horseracing event run by the New York Racing Association.

Under the agreement, DraftKings will become the official fantasy sports sponsor of the 2015 event, which includes the 147th running of the Grade 1, $1.5m (€1.3m) Belmont Stakes on June 6.

DraftKings branding will be present on apparel worn by horses and gate crew, while a branded cooler blanket will be placed on the winning horse of the showpiece Belmont Stakes race. 

Other on-site activation will include a Belmont Stakes branded DraftKings player lounge and an exclusive hospitality area for VIP race fans.

DraftKings will also benefit from exposure via advertisements and promotions that will air during in-race broadcasts.

In addition, DraftKings players that enter a Major League Baseball contest prior to the Belmont Stakes will have the chance to win tickets and VIP access to the festival.

The Belmont Stakes partnership marks the latest move by DraftKings in the sports market. It was announced last month that DraftKings will serve as Nascar’s official daily fantasy sports partner in a three-year deal, from 2015 to 2017.