Penn National market access deal opens up Ohio and Illinois to Kindred

Online gaming operator Kindred Group has continued its march across the US after partnering with Penn National Gaming on an initial ten-year basis to gain access to a pair of jurisdictions.

Following successful entry into New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Indiana, Kindred secures further market access by signing agreements with Penn National Gaming which will give entry to Ohio and Illinois.

Alongside the casino operator, the group is to operate online gaming and online sports betting, pending applicable laws being passed and both parties obtaining all necessary gaming licenses. 

Undertaken via Kindred’s flagship Unibet brand, the link-up provides the group access to pursue licensing in Illinois, through Argosy Casino Alton, and Ohio, through Hollywood Casino

Kindred Group vows to continue to invest in growing its US operations where market conditions support a sustainable business model. Kindred will leverage Pala Interactive’s online gaming platform and integrate with sports betting provider Kambi, as communicated in previous expansion efforts across the country.

“Extending our footprint in the US by establishing our brand in two key states like Illinois and Ohio is very exciting for us. We continue our journey in what we believe will become the largest gambling market in the world,” Manuel Stan, SVP Kindred US, said of the group’s latest state of entry.

“Putting Illinois and Ohio on the list together with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Indiana, shows our commitment to establishing Unibet in the US. Illinois is one of the largest US states and it will be the next state that we are targeting to launch.”

In July, Kindred detailed the first stage of its multi-state access agreement inked with Caesars Entertainment earlier in the year.

In partnership with the casino operator’s Horseshoe Hammond property, the company added Indiana to its online casino and sportsbook operations within New Jersey and Pennsylvania.