FanDuel Group Makes Inaugural Republican Party Donation

The FanDuel Group online sports betting subsidiary of Dublin-headquartered gambling behemoth Flutter Entertainment has reportedly donated some $2,500 to a fund affiliated with the United States’ Republican Party.

FanDuel Group has a prominent position within the United States’ embryonic online sports betting market and is now operational in over 20 jurisdictions, including New York, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois. 

The Irish Independent reports the sports betting firm handed over the cash in December to an organisation known as the Buckeye Freedom Fund, which is a Super Political Action Committee (PAC). 

The move represents the only time FanDuel Group has ever contributed to such a federally-registered body and comes as the United States are gearing up for a divisive Presidential election.

Effective Establishments

Political PACs can receive unlimited donations but are forbidden from directly contributing to a specific federal candidate. Nevertheless, these group are very influential, as they are able to spend vast sums of cash promoting or opposing specific political messages.

The Buckeye Freedom Fund has Maria Wojciechowski, purportedly has a long history of Political PAC involvement, listed as its Treasurer. Wojciechowski's work with the Future45 organisation involved spending approximately $25 million supporting Donald Trump’s 2016 Presidential bid.

Federal Election Commission records show the Buckeye Freedom Fund raised $71,000 last year, including $5,000 from American law firm Cozen O’Connor, which purportedly describes itself as having decades of experience in helping online and brick-and-mortar casinos and sports betting operators.

Conventional Course

Flutter Entertainment is responsible for such online sports betting brands as Paddy Power and Betfair and is the world’s largest iGaming operator. Last year, chalked up revenues of $11.8 billion along with some $1.87 billion in adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. 

Despite the donation, the firm reportedly stated it ‘does not support any specific party or candidates for public office at the local, state or Federal level’ before describing such contributions as ‘a customary practice in the United States’.

“FanDuel Group donates to both Democrat and Republican groups in line with the current laws, public disclosure policies and regulations governing political donations,” reportedly read a statement from Flutter Entertainment.

District Deal

Earlier this month, Washington DC’s Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) selected FanDuel Group to replace GamebetDC as its sole sports wagering provider.

The Executive Director for the OLG, Frank Suarez, revealed this arrangement will see FanDuel Group become the new subcontractor for Intralot Incorporated, which is its lottery and sports wagering system vendor.

“FanDuel Group’s industry-leading offering will ensure that the District maximises revenue under its existing contracts this year while delivering a best-in-class experience for 18+ residents,” Suarez said.