Fanatics Sportsbook Secures D.C. Market Access with Washington Spirit Partnership

Washington, D.C., thanks to a new partnership with the Washington Spirit, a professional team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

This marks a significant step for Fanatics as it continues to extend its presence across the United States, particularly in the nation’s capital.

The partnership grants Fanatics exclusive rights to launch its online sports betting platform across D.C. Additionally, Fanatics will benefit from various marketing opportunities tied to the Spirit, including in-stadium signage, digital marketing, and activations at the Spirit’s home venue, Audi Field. As a league-wide sponsor of the NWSL, this agreement is especially notable since it marks Fanatics’ first formal deal with a professional women’s sports team.

Fanatics’ Growing Sports Betting Footprint

Fanatics is no stranger to the sports betting scene, already operating a retail sportsbook inside Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland, which is located just five miles from Washington, D.C. However, this latest agreement solidifies the company’s expansion in the district. The platform is expected to officially go live across D.C. on September 12, 2024.

Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer of Fanatics, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “As we continue to build out our sports betting business, we are excited to partner with the Washington Spirit. We will look to grow the Fanatics Sportsbook alongside the growing popularity of women’s soccer and women’s sports generally across the country.”

The collaboration signifies the momentum surrounding the Washington Spirit and women’s sports in general. Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone highlighted the significance of the deal, stating, “This is another indication of the momentum surrounding the Spirit and women’s sports. This collaboration gives us the chance to enter the sports betting space with a trusted brand, all while staying true to our commitment to integrity, empowering women, and creating great experiences for our fans.”

With its entry into Washington, D.C., Fanatics Sportsbook has now secured market access in 23 U.S. jurisdictions. In mid-August 2024, Fanatics launched its sports betting platform in Louisiana, its 22nd state. Beyond D.C. and Louisiana, Fanatics operates several retail sportsbooks, including venues in Ohio at Progressive Field and Nationwide Arena, as well as its Maryland sportsbook.

Fanatics has also been expanding its retail sportsbook operations, adding to its growing portfolio with the recent opening of a sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City on September 5. This continued expansion is a testament to Fanatics’ aggressive strategy in the sports betting industry as it seeks to increase its market presence.

D.C.’s Expanding Sports Betting Market

The online sports betting market in Washington, D.C., has seen considerable growth in recent months. Just two months ago, FanDuel was the only commercial sports betting operator offering citywide wagering through a partnership with the D.C. Lottery. However, the market has since opened up to new operators, with major brands like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings entering the arena.

DraftKings, for instance, has teamed up with D.C. United, the other major soccer tenant at Audi Field. Meanwhile, BetMGM and Caesars have also established their presence in the city, giving bettors in the district more options for placing wagers.

Recent data underscores the surge in activity within D.C.’s sports betting market. In July 2024, the district saw its overall online sports betting handle increase by an impressive 254.1% year over year. This marked the first partial month in which multiple operators were live in the market, contributing to a total of $27.3 million in bets placed and $3.9 million in revenue.

Year to date, D.C.’s online sports betting handle has reached $162.8 million, representing a 65.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This sharp rise reflects the growing popularity of sports betting in the district and highlights the potential for even more growth as additional operators like Fanatics enter the market.

Caesars Expands Presence with Sports Betting Kiosks

In addition to its online platform, Caesars is making a significant impact on D.C.’s retail sports betting landscape. The company went live with mobile sports betting in the district on July 17, 2024, through its partnership with Capital One Arena. Furthermore, Caesars has secured an agreement with the D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming to exclusively offer sports betting kiosks to local retailers.

Through this agreement, Caesars has been authorized to provide self-service betting kiosks to 53 businesses across Washington, D.C., replacing the district’s previous retail supplier, GambetDC. This move allows Caesars to further establish itself as a key player in the local market, both online and in physical retail locations.

Source:

”Fanatics Sportsbook launching in DC via Washington Spirit partnership”, sbcamericas.com, September 12, 2024.