Fanatics follows up Connecticut contract with sportsbook soft launch
Merchandiser and sportsbook operator to accept 2,000 online customers ahead of full debut on December 18
Fanatics Betting and Gaming (FBG) has confirmed the start of a soft launch of its sportsbook in Connecticut, marking the debut of the sports merchandiser and operator in the Constitution State.
For the remainder of this week, Fanatics Sportsbook will accept 2,000 online customers, with a full launch scheduled for December 18.
Connecticut marks the ninth state for the Fanatics Sportsbook, which has grown exponentially with the transfer of sportsbook licenses the firm acquired when it bought PointsBet’s US business for $225m.
FBG was confirmed as the new exclusive partner of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) earlier this month, replacing former CLC partner Rush Street Interactive, which relinquished its prior 10-year contract with the CLC after just two years in March.
Fanatics contract with the CLC, which came following a tender process, is expected to run for eight years.
As part of the agreement, FBG will upgrade the CLC’s 10 retail sportsbook locations in Connecticut with new signage, enhanced odds screens, and brand-new self-service betting kiosks from games product manufacturer Suzohapp.
This includes two branches of Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Stamford and Windsor Locks; Sports Haven in New Haven; Winners in Hartford, Manchester, Milford, New Britain, and Waterbury; the XL Center in Hartford; and Arooga’s in Shelton.
FBG has confirmed betting on all major sports will be available, with development and trading of sportsbook markets done in-house by the firm.
Connecticut is home to just three licensed operators including the CLC, with DraftKings and FanDuel each partnered with tribal gaming operators the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe, respectively.
Licensed operators in the state are taxed at a rate of 13.75%, one of the smallest in the region.