Fanatics Debuts Online Sportsbook in Virginia
Fanatics Betting and Gaming (FBG), a division of Fanatics Holdings, has announced the launch of its online sportsbook in Virginia. This move marks a significant milestone in the ongoing acquisition of PointsBet US, further expanding Fanatics’ footprint in the American sports betting market.
Seamless Transition for PointsBet Users
Virginia’s sports betting enthusiasts who held accounts with PointsBet are now being automatically transitioned to the new Fanatics Sportsbook. This migration process is designed for ease and continuity, allowing former PointsBet users to access their new Fanatics accounts with their existing usernames and passwords. The switchover also includes the transfer of account balances, rewards points, and any preset responsible gaming settings.
Welcoming New Customers
In addition to accommodating existing PointsBet users, the Fanatics Sportsbook app is available for download, inviting new customers in Virginia to engage in sports betting. This expansion reinforces Fanatics’ commitment to providing accessible and diverse betting options in the Old Dominion State.
Expanding Reach Across States
The Virginia launch signifies Fanatics’ completion of the PointsBet US acquisition and migration in a total of seven states, joining Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. This rapid expansion is a testament to Fanatics’ growing influence in the sports betting domain.
Innovations in West Virginia
The Virginia rollout follows Fanatics’ recent launch in West Virginia, which included a pilot of its new online casino. Integrated within the Fanatics Sportsbook app, this new feature offers a variety of slot titles and classic table games like roulette and blackjack, showcasing Fanatics’ versatility in online gaming.
The Acquisition Journey
The acquisition journey began in June when FBG agreed to purchase PointsBet’s US operations for $225.0 million. This figure was an increase from the originally agreed $150.0 million, prompted by a competing $195.0 million offer from DraftKings. The acquisition process involved Fanatics taking over PointsBet’s operations across various states, with a few remaining states like Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, and Ohio set to complete in the near future.
Partnership with Paysafe
In its expansive sportsbook project, Fanatics has also partnered with Paysafe to offer traditional and alternative payment methods to customers across five states. This collaboration will facilitate convenient deposit and withdrawal options, including the use of Paysafecash, a barcode-based online cash solution.
Supporting Responsible Gambling
In a move to promote responsible gambling, Fanatics, along with major sports leagues like the NBA, NHL, and MLB, has launched a new campaign. The “Never Know What’s Next” advert emphasizes the unpredictability of sports and directs bettors to ResponsiblePlay.org for resources on responsible gaming.
Conclusion
Fanatics’ launch in Virginia and its ongoing expansion signify a major shift in the U.S. sports betting landscape. With its innovative approach and commitment to responsible gaming, Fanatics is set to become a key player in the industry, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly betting experience to sports enthusiasts across the nation.
Recommended