On Tuesday, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, a subsidiary of Fanatics Holdings Inc., announced a soft launch encompassing both online and retail sports betting in Connecticut via a press release.
Having secured a partnership with the Connecticut Lottery Commission for mobile and retail betting channels two weeks ago, Fanatics Sportsbook is set to accommodate up to 2,000 online bettors during this initial week. The operator revealed plans for a full-scale launch scheduled for Monday, Dec. 18, marking its formal entry into the Connecticut market.
Initially, customers are restricted to specific periods for placing wagers. The schedule begins with limited availability from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, extending to a full 12-hour window from noon to midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays. However, the betting service expands dramatically from Friday through Sunday, offering 24-hour access, allowing customers to engage in wagering activities round the clock during these days.
Bettors in the region will gain access to the platform and Fanatics Sportsbook promos through dedicated iOS and Android applications, available for download from respective app stores. Additionally, customers can engage with Fanatics’ sports wagering offerings at any of its 10 retail store locations across the state.
In a press release, Greg Smith, president, and CEO of CT Lottery commented on the partnership:
“We have been impressed with the Fanatics team, their aggressive entry into the U.S. sports betting market, and we are excited to see how they redefine the sports betting customer experience here in Connecticut. CLC anticipates notable market share growth as a result of this partnership.”
Fanatics Takes Over from PlaySugarHouse in Connecticut
Fanatics steps in as the new sports betting partner for the Connecticut Lottery Commission, taking over from Rush Street Interactive’s PlaySugarHouse. Following a mutual decision in March, the commission and RSI agreed to wind down their partnership.
Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Rush Street Interactive had said:
“We thank the CLC for their partnership over the last two years. We are proud of what we have accomplished together in Connecticut and have enjoyed the relationships that we have built with the players.
“Consistent with our long-term strategic goals, after much deliberation and discussions with the CLC, we believe it is in the best interest of RSI and our stockholders to wind down this partnership.
“As is consistent with nearly everything we do at RSI, both RSI and the CLC remain committed to putting our players first. Through the transition we plan to continue to support all player wagers and ensure a positive player experience and expect the changeover will have an immaterial impact on our guidance for 2023.”
Despite the transition, PlaySugarHouse remained operational on behalf of the CLC until the official replacement was finalized. The operator ceased accepting bets and deposits from Connecticut-based bettors on Monday, signaling a temporary suspension of their services in the state. However, amidst this halt, the operator made a commitment to honor all existing future bets, ensuring settlements occur on or before Super Bowl Sunday in 2024.
Fanatics Sportsbook will also take over all Connecticut Lottery retail sports betting outlets, ensuring comprehensive legal betting markets covering a broad spectrum of major sports. This inclusive range encompasses professional and college football, basketball, hockey, and baseball, as well as extensive offerings in tennis, soccer, golf, MMA, and boxing.
Connecticut becomes the ninth state to welcome the operational presence of Fanatics Sportsbook following its acquisition of PointsBet US back in June. Including Connecticut, Fanatics currently operates in Massachusetts, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and more recently, Colorado. However, the Connecticut Lottery Commission partnership stands distinct from the previous PointsBet deal.
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