Fanatics Sportsbook is nearing the finish line for final approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The platform is hoping to launch in Massachusetts by mid-June, a spokesperson confirmed to PlayMA.
But what might the Fanatics Massachusetts launch look like? What sign-up promos could be available?
Six MA online sports betting apps launched on March 10, so Fanatics is playing catch-up in the Massachusetts market. It was originally slated to get its MA operations certificate on May 4, but that vote has been pushed to a later May date.
Let’s take a closer look at what could be around the corner for Fanatics Sportsbook in Massachusetts.
Fanatics wants to be ready for NFL
The season for the league with the most lucrative betting event of the year, the NFL’s Super Bowl, doesn’t start until the fall. The NFL regularly draws the most betting action of all the major US sports, so being ready in time for the NFL season is big for Fanatics.
According to CEO Michael Rubin, Fanatics wants to be available in 12-15 states for the start of NFL play. It’s launching its sports betting platform for current Fanatics customers soon in Tennessee and Ohio, paving the way for full-on launches in those states and Massachusetts.
The NFL regular season begins Sept. 7 and features the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs playing against a yet-to-determined opponent. The full schedule is expected to be released in mid-May.
However, there are plenty of other events and leagues that sports betting companies don’t want to miss out on during the rest of spring and summer. Noteworthy upcoming events include MLB games, the WNBA, major golf tournaments, the French Open, Wimbledon, drafts for the NBA and NHL, and what might the be the biggest event of the summer: the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Possible Fanatics Massachusetts welcome bonuses
Sportsbooks entering the gambling market are offering some excellent online sportsbook bonuses in Massachusetts. Fanatics will be no different.
When Fanatics launches in Massachusetts, users can expect some kind of tie-in offer with the company’s massive sports merchandise catalog, similar to what the operator did in Ohio.
A merchandise giveaway is an enticing perk, and something unique among sports betting operators. Fanatics is an official apparel partner with every major Massachusetts pro team, as well as all NCAA Division I programs in the state except for Stonehill College.
Fanatics may offer a promo code with a welcome bonus like other online sportsbooks in the state. This is more common among sportsbooks.
For example, the BetMGM MA promo code gives first-time users up to $1,000 in bonus bets. However, Fanatics could go the route of DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBET and Barstool and not require a promo code at all to get a bonus offer.
Regardless of how Fanatics decides to entice bettors, it’s reasonable to expect that fans will probably get some type of MA pro team-themed merchandise at sign-up.
Launch just around the corner
Due to its lucrative licensed sports merchandise business, Fanatics enjoys widespread brand recognition among sports fans.
The company’s foray into sports betting received the first green light on the road to becoming a licensed online operator in the state in January. However, since receiving approval from the MGC, Fanatics’ efforts lagged behind other gambling operators.
Fanatics has missed out so far, as Massachusetts bettors wagered nearly $25 million per day in the first month of online sports betting in the state.
While six online operators launched on March 10, the state’s target date to allow mobile wagering, Fanatics announced earlier that it would not make the launch date and instead go live later.
Last Tuesday, the MGC approved house rules for Fanatics. This month, the company expects commissioners to give the thumbs up for a certificate of operations. Once that hurdle is cleared, Fanatics can hit the ground running.