Beta Testing For Fanatics Sportsbook Launches In Massachusetts

The Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its online sports betting app in Massachusetts — in beta form.

On Thursday, existing Fanatics customers eligible to bet on sports received an invitation with an access code to the beta version of the Massachussets app. 

Customers with access to the beta will receive a $200 welcome bonus after placing a $5 bet.

Fanatics becomes the 8th online sportsbook in Massachusetts

With the beta launch, Fanatics becomes the eighth Massachusetts online sportsbook. On May 17, the company received regulatory approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. At the time, Bruce Band, director of sports betting for the MGC, said Fanatics will likely launch at the end of the month.

Other legal online sports betting apps include:

• BetMGM
• DraftK
  ings
• FanDuel
• Caesars Sportsbook
• Barstool Sportsbook
• WynnBET
• Betr

Fanatics has a long way to go if it wants to catch DraftKings, the market leader in the state. In April, DraftKings held a 52% market share and a 48.4% revenue market share. Rounding out the top three are FanDuel and BetMGM.

PointsBet acquisition helps Fanatics’ sports betting expansion

Fanatics has been slow to market since it announced it would go all-in on sports betting. 

Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin has repeatedly said the company wants to be live in 12-15 states by the start of the 2023 NFL Season in September. The company recently acquired PointsBet and all its US assets for $150 million, which could help speed up the process. 

The PointBet acquisition theoretically gets Fanatics into 12 legal markets, including New York. Other vital jurisdictions include:

• Illinois
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania

As for the retail sportsbooks operated by PointsBet, the deal says PointsBet will retain its proprietary online gambling platform and other assets. Therefore, physical sportsbooks will likely remain PointsBet branded rather than shifting to the Fanatics logo and name.

Currently, the Fanatics Sportsbook is live in Ohio and Tennessee, with an expected launch in Maryland soon. The company also has a retail sportsbook at FedEx Field, home of the Washington Commanders.