Fanatics Sportsbook Review

Fanatics Sportsbook Summary

Fanatics has been a well-known brand in the sports industry for years, supplying official merchandise for every major North American league. Now they are also leveraging their brand power to enter the sports betting market.

After initially filing a trademark for the name "BetFanatics," they eventually went with the simpler moniker of Fanatics Sportsbook. The company has made several key hires to prepare for its transition from apparel to sports betting, including former FanDuel CEO Matt King and former Action Network COO Ari Borod.

While some competing sportsbooks have been licensed and regulated for years, Fanatics is a new kid on the block. King was only hired in 2021, and company CEO Michael Rubin told the media he didn't expect the sportsbook to launch until early 2023 at the earliest.

At the midway point of 2023, the picture is becoming clearer. After weeks of soft-launch beta testing, Fanatics Sportsbook went live in Tennessee and Ohio on May 1, 2023. 

Fanatics announced an acquisition of PointBet's US business in May 2023, subject to the approval of regulators and shareholders. When that deal closes, it will significantly boost Fanatic's efforts in the sports betting industry. 

In Maryland, Fanatics secured partnerships with the Washington Commanders and the University of Maryland. They opened a physical retail sportsbook location inside FedEx Field in January 2023 and officially launched their online betting app in the state on June 1, 2023.

Fanatics also recently soft-opened in Massachusetts, tethering its online betting license to Plainrigge Park Casino. On May 25, 2023, Fanatics sent app download codes to existing MA customers in their apparel database. After beta testing, they expect a full Massachusetts launch in June 2023. 

Fanatics Sportsbook Quick Facts

Fanatics Sportsbook Locations

Fanatics Sportsbook started out only operating online in Tennessee and Ohio. There is a physical location in Maryland, and their online betting operations launched in that state on June 1, 2023. Their online betting app in Massachusetts is now available. That brings their online operations up to four legal states.

Fanatics previously attempted to gain an operating license in New York, but they were not approved. The company claims they still plan to enter the NY market, likely via the acquisition of PointsBet. However, the New York State Gaming Commission recently clarified that Fanatics would not simply inherit PointsBet's existing NY license. 

Fanatics execs set a goal of the new sportsbook being regulated and licensed in 12 states by the time the 2023 NFL season kicks off in September 2023. The planned expansion states include Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Fanatics will be vying for a spot whenever new states welcome legal sports betting, such as Kentucky sports betting on September 28, 2023. Keep an eye out for a Fanatics promo as sportsbooks are starting to release their Kentucky sportsbook promo codes.

Sports Leagues to Bet On

Considering their apparel business, Fanatics already has a strong relationship with North American sports. The sportsbook will offer all major professional and college sports, plus a wide variety of international soccer. We're not sure what other niche betting markets they might offer, but they do seem poised to compete with the market's most prominent players, which means they will want to offer as many betting options as possible.

NFL Betting

Given its strong ties to the NFL merchandising market, there is little doubt that Fanatics will prioritize the league as they launch. The brand prides itself on variety and unique apparel, and that philosophy will extend to the new sports betting product from the beginning.  

NBA Betting

Fanatics is the already official e-commerce partner of the NBA. You can be sure that the sportsbook side of the business has plenty of hardwood wagering options. 

College Football

College football fans have used the Fanatics platform for years to buy their favorite jerseys, hats, and accessories. Now they can bet on NCAA football with Fanatics Sportsbook. Even though the mobile app has just launched, Fanatics has plenty of time to work out any kinks before the college football season begins again.

College Basketball

No sportsbook is complete without bets available for college basketball. There is also a golden opportunity for cross-promotion between the betting and apparel branches during the NCAA tournament. It could also lead to fun boosts and bonuses during March Madness.

NHL Betting

Fanatics already enjoys a mutually beneficial partnership with the NHL on apparel. They will surely bring that exclusive access to the sportsbook business too. Expect to see the usual markets of both the game and player variety.

MLB Betting

Fanatics and the MLB became official partners in 2019. They have spent the last few years learning the ins and outs of the league. Expect the company to leverage its vast base of MLB knowledge into its sportsbook venture, giving bettors an enjoyable experience.

Other Sports Leagues

Aside from the more recognizable league affiliations Fanatics has secured over the years, they have also made connections in some secondary sports markets. They already have apparel deals with MLS, NASCAR, golf, and even the WWE, and you can expect to see these included in the Fanatics Sportsbook offerings.

Online Betting Experience

Fanatics already has years of experience building mobile apps for their apparel business, and that expertise will cross over nicely to the betting app. While the Fanatics online wagering experience is still in its infancy, beta testers have already praised the app's clean look, simple design, and ease of use. 

Website Experience

So far, Fanatics has only launched its sportsbook as a mobile app. However, considering the company's vast experience as an online e-commerce giant, we expect that to change shortly.

Reports suggested that Fanatics sought a partnership with Tipico before eventually buying PointsBet. They will likely use that new asset to speed up the launch of their sportsbook website. For a company with its roots in web-based commerce, you can expect its online experience to be top-notch.

Mobile Betting and Betting App

Fanatics Sportbook is available as both an iOS and Android app. The app is powered by software and source code from Amelco, an experienced sports betting tech provider. Amelco software already powers betting apps like FOX Bet, PlayUp, and WynnBET.

Between Fanatics' existing expertise in building mobile apps and Amelco's technology, the Fanatics Sportsbook app should quickly emerge as one of the smoothest mobile betting experiences.

Sign-Up Bonus

Like almost every other online sportsbook, Fanatics wants to welcome you with a sign-up bonus. While the Fanatics promo code is only available in Massachusetts for now, new users will receive $200 in bonus bets after placing an initial wager of just $5 or more. Check the full terms and conditions to take advantage.

FanCash Rewards Program

Fanatics already has FanCash, a customer loyalty program for their merchandise lines. They are expanding it to include their new sportsbook too. At launch, bettors will receive a percentage of their wagers back in FanCash:

• 1% FanCash for every $1 wagered on a straight bet
• 3% FanCash for every $1 wagered on a parlay
• 5% FanCash for every $1 wagered on a same-game parlay

FanCash can be used to make bonus bets or towards merchandise. 

Live Betting

Any sportsbook worth its salt offers a live betting platform. We expect Fanatics Sportsbook to add this feature quickly after completing their soft launches in Tennessee, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Maryland.

Key Features

Although the Fanatics Sportsbook app is new, we expect them to keep adding critical features as they expand their customer base. Once it's available to a broader audience, the sportsbook should feature the following attributes:

• Live betting
• Early cash-out
• Free live streaming
• Casino and poker offerings
• FanCash rewards program

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

The deposit and withdrawal options for Fanatics Sportsbook vary, depending on what state you're playing in. Deposit methods include bank transfer, Apple Pay, or wire transfer.

When it comes to withdrawals, you can again choose from a bank transfer, a wire transfer, or a mailed check. Fanatics also has a special "Withdrawal Tracker" feature that lets you know how far along your cash-out process is, giving you a better idea of when you'll have the money in your hands.

Casino, Poker, & Other Gaming Options

The app's beta version does not include any casino, poker, or additional gaming options. For now, Fanatics is focusing solely on sports betting. 

However, there was language relating to these other gaming types in the original trademark filing for BetFanatics. Additionally, PointsBet already offers casino games and poker in some locations, and we expect Fanatics to expand their online betting business to include these eventually.

Fanatics History

Fanatics was founded by brothers Alan and Mitch Trager as an e-commerce company in 1995, with a single sports merchandising site in Jacksonville, Florida. Around the same time, Mitch Ruben founded Global Sports Incorporated, which later became GSI Commerce. The two companies would become one in 2011 when GSI acquired Fanatics for approximately $277 million. 

GSI was sold to eBay shortly after the merger for $2.4 billion, which paved the way for Fanatics’ future growth. Over the next several years, they created merchandising partnerships with every major sports league across North America. More recently, Fanatics entered the digital space with the launch of Candy Digital, which serves as the home for their NFT market. Now, they have set their sights on the surging sports betting scene.

Hiring King and Borod will give them a considerable advantage in breaking into the online betting industry. Their combined experience should position Fanatics Sportsbook as a premier online sports betting platform.

Fanatics Timeline

June 1, 2023: Fanatics officially launches their online betting app in Maryland, becoming the tenth legal online sportsbook in the state. The retail location at FedEx Field remains open.

May 25, 2023: Fanatics launches a beta test of their online betting app in Massachusetts. Only customers already existing in their MA merchandise and apparel database will be sent an email invite to try out Fanatics Sportsbook. 

May 23, 2023: New York is reviewing the Fanatics/PointsBet deal. They say that Fanatics will not simply inherit the NY license PointsBet already has in the state. 

May 14, 2023: Fanatics acquires PointsBet's US business for $150 million, giving them instant access to multiple state markets. 

Apr. 27, 2023: Fanatics announces the launch of their mobile sports betting app in Ohio and Tennessee will happen on Monday, May 1, 2023.

Apr. 19, 2023: A beta test version of the Fanatics Sportsbook app is open in Ohio by invite only.

Mar. 3, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook Tennessee launches its app in a beta test. It's the first look at features like FanCash. The app is still not available for public download.

Jan. 30, 2023: The Texas State Betting Alliance, a lobbying group, includes Fanatics Sportsbook as a founding member.

Jan. 20, 2023: Fanatics is reported to be interested in buying betPARX, an online betting operator in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. The deal ultimately does not happen.

Jan. 20, 2023: Fanatics open their first retail location at FedEx Field in Maryland. They use the same "Fanatics Sportsbook" instead of "BetFanatics."

Jan. 12, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook receives approval in Massachusetts for their Category 3 tethered online sports betting license, which will tie the operator to Plainridge Park Casino. 

Dec. 6, 2022: Fanatics raises $700M in additional capital, vaulting their valuation to $31 billion. 

Nov. 16, 2022: Fanatics Sportsbook receives a license to operate in Maryland but won't be ready for the state's online launch on Nov. 23, 2022.

Oct. 2022: Michael Rubin announces Fanatics Sportsbook targets an early 2023 launch. The company makes another acquisition, buying clothing brand Mitchell and Ness for $250M. 

June 2022: Fanatics reportedly explored acquiring the online sportsbook Tipico. In the same month, they secured a long-term licensing deal with Nike for college sports merchandise.

May 2022: Fanatics files a trademark application for "BetFanatics." 

Nov. 2021: Fanatics Sportsbook is not on the list of approved sportsbooks by the NY Gaming Commission.

Aug. 2021: Fanatics, alongside Barstool Sportsbook and technology provider Kambi, apply for a New York sports betting license. 

June 2021: Matt King, the former CEO of FanDuel, and Tucker Kain, former President of Business Enterprise for the LA Dodgers, join the Fanatics team.

Feb. 2011: GSI Commerce, owned by Michael Rubin, acquires Fanatics for a combined $277 million in cash and GSI stock.

1995: Alan Trager founds Fanatics in Jacksonville, Florida. A storefront in the Orange Park Mall goes live, run by Alan and his brother, Mitch Trager, focusing primarily on Jacksonville Jaguars and collegiate sportswear.

Customer Ratings & Reputation

Fanatics Sportsbook is a brand-new product that is barely finished with beta testing and soft launches. As such, there are no accurate customer ratings to look at yet. However, Fanatics has multiple apps for its sports merchandise business, all holding an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.0.

Fanatics have built themselves into a strong, reliable, and recognizable brand over the decades. Sports fans already know and trust them when buying jerseys, hats, and coffee mugs, and they will bring that same quality and sterling reputation to their sportsbook.

Customer Service

Customers already have plenty of ways to secure help from Fanatics should the need arise. On top of a 24-7 toll-free number, customers can reach out on Twitter, live chat, or email. These numbers and addresses are subject to change when the sportsbook goes live.

Fanatics Contact

• Phone: 855-438-9701
• 24/7 Live Chat
• Email: TBD
• Twitter: @FanaticsSupport

Responsible Gambling

The legal age for sports betting in most states is 21+. This is subject to regional regulation. Please play responsibly. Fanatic Sportsbook will comply with any rules and regulations laid down by the governing bodies in any state it intends to operate.

Here are a few resources to help ensure you are gambling responsibly:

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): The NCPG has over 50 years of experience assisting people and families affected by problem gambling. Call or text them (1-800-522-4700) or join their 24/7 Live Chat.
• Center for Problem Gambling: The Center has been funded by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) since 1996. They are committed to serving anyone affected by a gambling addiction. Treatment is confidential and provided regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Their gambling counselors have significant experience working with problem gambling and include therapists who are Nationally Certified Gambling Counselors.
• BeGambleAware.org: Offers free, confidential help and support to anyone worried about gambling for themselves or others.
• Gambling Therapy: A global service provided by Gordon Moody, offering free emotional support and advice to anyone affected by gambling.

Why Choose Fanatics Sportsbook?

Fanatics is one of the few existing companies in the sports industry that has the potential to make an instant impact in the sports betting market. From day one, they will be a big player with considerable brand power, deep pockets, and decades of existing relationships with major sports leagues.

The company's history in e-commerce and online retail will provide all the experience and data they need to produce a user-friendly and enjoyable online betting platform. Despite only getting into the market in 2023, Fanatics will lean heavily on its existing partnerships and brand power to compete with the biggest names in the business, like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars.