This week, Fanatics Sportsbook is set to welcome 2,000 online players in Connecticut, with a full launch scheduled for December 18th.
Connecticut residents can now download the Fanatics Sportsbook app to place bets online or visit any of the ten retail sports betting locations for in-person wagering.
The soft launch comes shortly after Fanatics Sportsbook was named as the exclusive sports betting partner of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC), marking a significant milestone.
This partnership encompasses both mobile and retail betting and had been anticipated to commence in mid-December, further enhancing Fanatics’ presence in the state.
Fanatics Sportsbook replaces Rush Street Interactive (RSI) as the Connecticut Lottery’s sports betting partner, with both parties deciding to conclude their partnership in March.
The transition began in June when Fanatics agreed to acquire PointsBet US, a move separate from its Connecticut Lottery partnership.
PointsBet shareholders endorsed the acquisition in June, allowing Fanatics to gradually integrate PointsBet’s operations across the United States.
Currently, the Fanatics Sportsbook is operational in Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia, with a recent launch in Colorado.
While Fanatics has plans for expansion in other markets, no specific timeline has been provided for these acquisitions and subsequent launches.
In Connecticut, Fanatics will now compete directly with industry giants DraftKings and FanDuel. October’s monthly results revealed DraftKings as the leading online gaming operator, closely followed by FanDuel.
DraftKings has partnered with the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, while FanDuel is associated with Mohegan Sun.
Notably, ESPN Bet, operated by Penn Entertainment and affiliated with ESPN, did not launch in Connecticut due to tribal monopoly rules and Fanatics Sportsbook’s partnership with the Connecticut Lottery.
In May 2021, Governor Ned Lamont legalized online sports betting in Connecticut, granting the Mashantucket and Mohegan tribes permission to offer sports wagering and operate one skin each for sports betting and igaming.
The Connecticut Lottery was also permitted to have one skin for sports wagering outside tribal lands, in addition to retail betting at 15 statewide locations.
With its official entry into the Connecticut market, Fanatics Sportsbook now holds the third available position, signaling its readiness to compete in this burgeoning sports betting landscape.