Posted on: November 3, 2023, 08:47h. 

Last updated on: November 3, 2023, 08:47h.

In a significant development for the online sports betting scene in Puerto Rico, Ballers Sportsbook is preparing for its official launch. This move showcases the territory’s ongoing efforts to establish a self-sustaining presence and seize a share of the global gaming market.

Ballers Sportsbook is making history as the first completely “domestic” sportsbook in Puerto Rico, fully owned and operated by a local company. Leading the venture is Daniel de Ontañon, a prominent entrepreneur and former CEO of financial services company Insigneo. Joining him as Director of Development is Héctor José Torres Donato, a renowned local sports commentator.

This new sportsbook aims to cater to a wide range of sports enthusiasts by offering betting lines on major sports events. However, Ballers differentiates itself by putting a special focus on local sports teams, particularly baseball and basketball.

Ballers has integrated solutions from Sportradar and Spain’s R. Franco Digital to ensure the utmost integrity, speed, and security in its technology implementations, as stated on the Ballers website.

Anticipating Success

Ballers expects to handle an annual volume of bets ranging from $170 million to $200 million. These projections demonstrate the company’s ambitious yet calculated expectations as it enters the competitive market. It also indicates the confidence in securing a significant share of Puerto Rico’s budding sports betting market.

Last week, Ballers announced that the Board of Commissioners of Puerto Rico’s Gaming Commission granted approval for the commencement of operations. This regulatory approval positions Ballers as a compliant and authorized entity within the Puerto Rican gaming landscape, marking the final milestone before legally accepting bets.

Ballers enters the scene amidst notable competitors such as Casino del Mar at the La Concha Hotel, which operates both a retail sportsbook and an online sportsbook in partnership with BetMGM. Casino Metro also has a sportsbook within its casino and has partnered with Caesars for its online sportsbook offering. Additionally, The Stadium, the parent company of WinIn, has collaborated with IGT to introduce a sportsbook to the market.

Strategic Timing

Ballers has strategically timed its launch, although it missed out on the World Series and part of the NFL season. However, an exciting matchup presents an enticing opportunity for bettors today.

Puerto Rico has emerged victorious in three of the last four encounters between the two teams. Currently, Puerto Rico sits at the bottom of Group B, while Panama concludes the rankings for Group A.