The Fanatics Sportsbook has partnered with the Connecticut Lottery to become their exclusive sports betting provider for both mobile and retail betting. The transition is set to take place in mid-December.
Connecticut residents will be able to access the Fanatics Sportsbook at ten retail betting locations and through a mobile platform. Greg Smith, president and CEO of the Connecticut Lottery, is optimistic about the partnership’s potential for market share growth.
Replacing Rush Street Interactive, FBG has expanded its presence in the US sports betting market. The company acquired PointsBet US for $225.0m, outbidding DraftKings. Following the deal, FBG quickly launched the Fanatics Sportsbook in multiple states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Tennessee. The company has now entered Connecticut, pitting itself against major online operators DraftKings and FanDuel.
In October, DraftKings and FanDuel were the leading online gaming operators in Connecticut. ESPN Bet, operated by Penn Entertainment, was unable to launch in the state due to the Connecticut Lottery’s partnership with FBG. The legalisation of online sports betting in Connecticut in May 2021 allowed the Mashantucket and Mohegan tribes to offer sports wagering. The Connecticut Lottery was also permitted to run sports wagering operations outside tribal lands as part of the bill.
As a result of the partnership with FBG, ESPN Bet will not be able to launch in Connecticut, at least for the time being.
