Fanatics Launches New Sportsbook and Casino App

Fanatics Betting and Gaming, a new online gaming brand in the US, has officially launched its online casino app in four states. The world’s leading sports commerce website is worth over $31 billion, according to Yahoo Sports, and recently entered the sports wagering and online casino business after acquiring PointsBet’s US business in August. 

According to the Fanatics Betting and Gaming website, their sportsbook is live in eleven US states: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

The online casino side of the business has arrived in just four US states, with more expected to launch before the end of the year.

According to statements made by Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the PointsBet brand will continue to be in use in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, and Michigan for now. Sources said Fanatics is working on licensing for those brands to make the transition. So we know at least a Fanatics casino and possibly a sportsbook could be coming to the Great Lake State. What can fans expect from the new online gaming provider? 

The Fanatics Betting & Gaming page has the sports betting app branded as  Fanatics Sportsbook, while the brand’s online casino will be called PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience. 

As of October 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook has two retail locations. One in Ohio near the Nationwide Arena in Columbus and another in Maryland at the FedExField in Landover.

Current users of PointsBet in Michigan may have already noticed some changes in the sportsbook app. For example, the Pointbet Sportsbook app is currently repping a “A Fanatics Experience” banner below its PointsBet logo. 

When Did Fanatics Buy PointsBet?

PointsBet was purchased by the massive sports memorabilia site this summer for $225 million.

Fanatics Chief Business Officer commented on the online casino product, stating, “we should have our iCasino product live by the end of the year, but if we don’t feel it is perfect yet, then it will be live at the beginning of next year.” 

He continued, saying Fanatics’ initial focus will be on the sports betting business. “Fanatics is really a sports business, so first and foremost, that is what we are going out with. We want to make sure this is another thing we can add to the Fanatics ecosystem of products. But, longer term, as a gaming company, iCasino is obviously a good business. But, also, if there are people who want to play online blackjack on their phone, and we don’t want them going to a competitor to do it, we want them to continue to engage with Fanatics, we are obviously going to have to have to give the customer what they want. It is definitely part of the strategy.”

The business chief believes Fanatics will be able to carve out a section for themselves in the market. According to Borod, the size of their customer database (thanks to their history in the sports industry) is much larger than any competitor in the market. “The sheer volume of our database is massive. It’s bigger than (FanDuel and DraftKings) databases combined. It’s bigger than any casino rewards database. Also, these are sports fans. It’s a much bigger demographic, but also one that is still very qualified as sports fans,” said Borod. 

One additional feature sports betting fans can look forward to is Fanatics’ live streaming abilities. In legal states, players can watch their favorite games and wager simultaneously, thanks to technology by Genius Sports and BetVision.

For more updates on Fanatics Sportsbook or PointsBet, A Fanatics Experience, follow along at playonlinemichigan.com.

Mac Daniel is a writer for PlayOnlineCasino and PlayOnlineSportsBetting. He has experience writing about a wide variety of topics, including healthcare, tourism, non-profit organizations, and most recently casino and sportsbetting news. To check out more of his work, visit: playonlinemichigan.com