DraftKings and William Hill US CEOs clash at conference
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and William Hill US CEO Joe Asher have had a frank exchange of views during a sports betting panel.
At the American Gaming Association’s Sports Betting Executive Summit, Robins and Asher debated industry in-fighting, which led to what reports describe as a “heated exchange.”
The CEOs were speaking as part of a panel on the expansion of sports betting, which also included Greg Carlin, Rush Street Gaming CEO, and was moderated by Darren Rovell, Senior Executive Producer at The Action Network.
A video is available on social media of the pair airing their views, while it is not the first time the duo have clashed.
William Hill’s Asher once testified in Nevada that daily fantasy sports (DFS) was gambling, a stance harming DraftKings’ prospects in the Silver State.
Robins, however, believes Asher’s agenda has more to do with curtailing DraftKings because of an inability to compete.
Legal Sports Report has reported the following transcript of the discussion.
Robins: “I agree with (MGM Resorts CEO) Jim Murren creating a good environment means not trying to restrict competitors. Part of what’s caused a lack of innovation, lack of opportunity, in the gaming industry has been in-fighting.
“You asked me about Nevada, I said it was a tricky state because of guys like Joe [Asher] running around telling people we’re bad and need to be shut out.”
Asher: “I never said that.”
Robins: “Well you testified about it in Nevada.”
Asher: “I said it was gambling, DFS was gambling.”
Robins: “Either way 19 other states are for it. The point is, Joe, that’s not really your motivation. Your motivation is you don’t want us to compete with you. Which is totally understandable. I get it, you’re not able to keep up with us. That’s the problem with the industry, people like you. (Points to Asher)”
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