The Fanatics Sportsbook announcement Thursday (12 September) was the second major one in the US capital this week. On Tuesday, Caesars Sportsbook shared that it will take over the GambetDC kiosks at 53 small-business locations in the District.

Since the DC Council in June decided to open the betting market, Caesars and BetMGM were able effectively take off the geofences that kept limited their platforms to special zones, and DraftKings and FanDuel have both gone live.

During hearings as the council considered creating a competitive market, Fanatics testified that it was interested in entering the market. The platform is live in neighboring Maryland and Virginia, and Fanatics now has a retail sportsbook at Commanders Field, home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.

Fanatics’ first deal with a women’s pro team

Fanatics Sportsbook got market access through the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit, marking the company’s first partnership with a women’s professional sports team. Through the partnership, Fanatics Sportsbook will have in-game signage at Audi Field, digital marketing, and game-day activations. The operator will also offer unique opportunities for fans to engage with Fanatics Sportsbook.

The platform is available for download for iOS and Android devices.

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

At this time last year, Fanatics Sportsbook was available in about a dozen US jurisdictions. With the DC launch, it is now available in 23.

Evolution to competitive market

When the DC Council first legalised sports betting, it created a single-source market and awarded Intralot the contract. Intralot, the city’s lottery partner, did not have to bid for the original contract. It went on to launch the troubled and maligned GambetDC product. That platform underperformed, had a reputation for a difficult user interface and was ultimately replaced by FanDuel in April.

Intralot sub-contracted sports betting to FanDuel, but at the same time, the DC Council was discussing opening the market. FanDuel’s run as the sole operator and lottery partner lasted three months. In July, the city opted not to renew its wagering contract with Intralot, and FanDuel now has market access through a partnership with Audi Field.