888 launches Sports Illustrated sportsbook in Virginia

888 has launched its Sports Illustrated online sportsbook in Virginia, following its initial roll-out in Colorado last year.

Consumers in Virginia will now be able to access the SI Sportsbook and place bets on a wide range of sports competitions including the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and NASCAR.

To support the launch, 888 partnered with Virtual Entertainment Partners (VEP), a Virginia-based small, woman-owned, and minority-owned (SWaM) certified company with 100% African American female ownership.

In collaboration with VEP, 888 committed to making contributions to communities across Virginia, specifically minority communities, to drive meaningful value, opportunity, and diversity for consumers in the state.

888 first launched the SI Sportsbook in Colorado in September last year and plans to roll out the platform in other states in the coming months.

This came after the operator entered a commercial partnership with Authentic Brands Group, owner of the Sports Illustrated monthly sports magazine, in June 2021.

“We are delighted to launch SI Sportsbook in Virginia. Following the success of its debut launch in Colorado last September, this is an important milestone for both ourselves and our partners,” 888 US president Howard Mittman said.

“With its growing base of sports betting fans, we believe that Virginia will play a significant role in the continued development of SI Sportsbook over the coming months.

“Expanding further in the US market is an important part of our ambition to become a global online betting and gaming leader, and we look forward to introducing the brand to players across the state.”

Last month, 888 appointed former Bleacher Report chief executive Howard Mittman as the president for its US operations, with responsibility for leading the rollout of the SI Sportsbook.

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