Fanatics’ new retail sportsbook in Ohio comes on the heels of winning a bidding war for the U.S. operations of PointsBet. In May, Fanatics agreed to purchase PointsBet’s U.S. business for $150 million. In response to Fanatics’ bid, DraftKings offered PointsBet $195 million. Fanatics would increase its bid to $225 million. On June 30, PointsBet shareholders approved the sale of U.S. operations to Fanatics.
PointsBet has online operations in 14 states, including Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Fanatics has disclosed plans to add further depth to the US’ trend of adding retail sportsbook spaces within stadia, as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Columbus’ Arena District gets set to host such a facility.
Fanatics, headquartered in New York, boasts the only retail sportsbook inside an NFL stadium at FedExField in Maryland. The group is also working on opening a second retail facility in Ohio in tandem with the Cleveland Guardians.
Despite still being in beta within the state of Ohio, as well as Maryland, Massachusetts and Tennessee, this latest development is stated to be on track to swing open its doors during next month.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are constantly seeking new and exciting ways to engage with our fans,” said Cameron Scholvin, Blue Jackets Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
