DraftKings is planning a nationwide football-season celebration on Sept. 2, 2026, with customer promotions, free-gas activations in five major markets, a new celebrity campaign and a $50,000 charitable donation.
The company is calling the event DraftKings Gameday, positioning it as the start of the 2026 DraftKings football calendar as fans prepare for the college football and NFL seasons. DraftKings said its Sportsbook, Predictions and Casino products will be presented through a more unified in-app experience, although product availability will continue to depend on a customer’s location and applicable state rules.
The one-day promotion is designed to build excitement around the opening weeks of DraftKings college football and DraftKings NFL betting activity. The news comes just days after the company announced that it had obtained exclusive access to the CASHINGO game franchise.
DraftKings Football Celebration Arrives Before NFL Kickoff
Football remains one of the most important periods on the U.S. sports betting calendar. College football began its 2026 season over the weekend, while the NFL regular season is set to open on September 9.
DraftKings will use Sept. 2 as a national promotional day before the NFL’s first full weekend. The company said customers will find special offers across Sportsbook, Predictions and Casino through its DraftKings Sports & Casino app.
DraftKings described the app as a “Super App” that brings together several products in one place, including:
- DraftKings Sportsbook, where legally available
- DraftKings Predictions
- DraftKings Casino, where legally available
- Lottery courier services in eligible jurisdictions
That unified setup could make it easier for eligible customers to move between products during a busy football weekend. However, bettors should remember that online sports betting laws vary by state. DraftKings NFL betting and DraftKings college football betting markets are only available where mobile sports wagering has been authorized.
Free Gas Promotion Planned in Five Cities
One of the more visible parts of DraftKings Gameday will be the company’s Gameday Fuel activation.
DraftKings said it plans to offer free gas, while supplies last, to passenger vehicles at selected gas stations in:
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- Detroit
The company has not yet announced the exact gas station locations or activation times. In addition to fuel giveaways, attendees can expect contests, branded giveaways, interactive experiences and appearances by special guests.
The free-gas promotion is an unusual way to connect DraftKings football marketing with the travel, tailgating and watch-party culture surrounding college football and the NFL. It also gives DraftKings a physical presence in major U.S. sports markets, including states with different rules for betting, casino gaming and prediction-market products.
Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas Headline New Campaign
DraftKings has also launched a new marketing campaign called “Take Your Game Anywhere.”
The campaign features comedian Kevin Hart and singer Nick Jonas on a cross-country road trip. DraftKings said the creative is meant to show how consumers can interact with its products in different parts of the country, including a scene involving a wager at a New Jersey diner and another involving a trade in California.
The campaign is running across television, digital and social platforms.
Celebrity-driven advertising has become a familiar part of the sports betting industry, particularly around the NFL season. The Hart and Jonas campaign gives DraftKings a broad entertainment angle as it competes for attention during one of the busiest promotional periods of the year.
Responsible Gaming Remains Part of DraftKings Message
September is Responsible Gambling Month and DraftKings said it will continue to encourage responsible play (much like last year) as football betting activity rises. The company highlighted several tools that customers can use to manage their activity, including:
- Deposit limits
- Cool-off periods
- Self-exclusion options
These tools can help customers set boundaries around spending and time spent using betting or gaming products. Anyone considering DraftKings football wagering should review the available responsible gambling controls before placing a bet and only participate for entertainment.
