ZenSports‘ peer-to-peer sports betting product has taken its first step towards getting licensed in the United States through a deal inked with Strategic Gaming Management.
Under the terms of the agreement, 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, Nevada.
Both of these agreements will give the firm the all-important physical presence required by the Nevada Gaming Control Board to operate its mobile sports betting platform in the state.
Co-Founder and CEO Mark Thomas said: “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.”
Thomas originally met the CEO of Strategic Gaming Management (SGM), Grant Lincoln, back in January 2020. Lincoln subsequently made an angel investment in and became a consultant to ZenSports. Since that time, ZenSports has steadily grown its international peer-to-peer sports betting business and raised funding from top investors like Jason Calacanis, Jor Law, and others.
“ZenSports is proving to be a force in the mobile and peer-to-peer sports betting world,” said Lincoln. “We’re excited to help give them an opportunity to expand into the Nevada market and make ZenSports a household name here.”
Now that the firm holds the right to buy and own a sportsbook and casino in Nevada, the next step in getting its mobile app operational there is to go through the licensing and technology certification process. The company 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.
