y fantasy sports (DFS) operator DraftKings expects to launch in the UK in the fourth quarter of this year, after being granted a licence to operate in the country.

Launches in other European markets as well as markets in the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions are planned for next year.

DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said: "Our expansion into the United Kingdom marks a milestone moment in the growth of DraftKings as we introduce our world class product to new audiences.

“We will add new sports and games to our burgeoning roster of offerings and further connect fans to their favourite teams and players. We also welcome the opportunity to forge new partnerships with leagues, teams and media outlets internationally as we have done with exceptional success in the United States."

It was announced in July that DraftKings had secured $300m in Series D financing, and DraftKings said the additional funding would in part be used to launch its product internationally.

DraftKings announced in June that it would be the official DFS offering across broadcaster ESPN’s platforms, as part of the terms of an exclusive agreement between the two companies.

Internet corporation Yahoo Sports and mass media company CBS Sports entered the DFS market in July and earlier this month respectively, while provider Amaya Gaming has announced it has acquired DFS operator Victiv and will rebrand it StarsDraft.