Fanatics is much closer to launching its sportsbook than a West Virginia online casino.
The new operator announced that it is one step closer to going live in multiple states across the country. While doing so, Fanatics will continue to use the PointsBet name for branding and marketing purposes moving forward.
Fanatics and its situation make a unique case to be able to compete with market leaders such as FanDuel and DraftKings.
Fanatics-branded WV online casino to launch later in 2023
After closing on the operating business of PointsBet, Fanatics will be able to launch in the following markets:
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- West Virginia
For states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Fanatics will be able to operate an online casino, too.
However, it appears that Fanatics is focused on sports betting for now. In a press release, the company said that Fanatics online casino offerings are “scheduled to launch later this year.” As of now, the new operator will continue to use PointsBet’s online casino platform.
Fanatics Vice President of Communications, Kevin Hennessy, told PlayWV:
“Right now, no branding changes on the casino front. But adding the PointsBet Casino to our tools for building our own Fanatics Casino is part of the planning process.”
For further clarification, Hennessey said that Fanatics will have its own branded casino eventually.
Fanatics to use PointsBet name in West Virginia sportsbook marketing
Though Fanatics is replacing the sportsbook, the PointsBet name will continue to live on. In the above states imminent to launch (including West Virginia), customers will see PointsBet rebranded to “PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience.”
Fanatics Betting and Gaming CEO, Matt King, said:
“We are excited about what we are building at Fanatics Betting and Gaming and this acquisition accelerates our plans. We have a ten-year plan that focuses on the customer and not market share. We are going to acquire customers efficiently, allowing us to return savings to customers by investing in the customer experience at Fanatics Sportsbook and PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience.”
Because of Fanatics’ sports merchandise business, the new operator is able to offer enticing promotions that no other competitor can provide. Fanatics is giving users a percentage of FanCash for every bet placed, no matter the result:
- Straight bet: Up to 1% of the amount bet
- Parlay bet: Up to 3% of the amount bet
- Same-game parlay: Up to 5% of the amount bet
Users can accumulate FanCash and use it as bonus bets or for merchandise on Fanatics’ website.
Fanatics has not announced any online casino promotions as of yet. However, if they are anything similar to the sportsbook, Fanatics Casino could potentially become a market leader.
There haven’t been many operators that have given FanDuel and DraftKings real competition. Fanatics is still going to use the PointsBet name, with its own spin, to give the current market leaders a run for their money.
