Sep 7, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit midfielder Paige Metayer (26) controls the ball against Portland Thorns FC during the first half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
- Fanatics Sportsbook announced a partnership with the Washington Spirit
- First partnership with a professional women’s sports franchise
- Fanatics Sportsbook is now live in Washington, D.C.
Fanatics Sportsbook has made its way to Washington, D.C.
The sportsbook launched in the district this week after announcing a market access agreement and partnership with the Washington Spirit, an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League. As part of the agreement, Fanatics Betting and Gaming is now the team’s official sports betting partner.
Fanatics Sportsbook launched online sports betting in the district on Thursday, Sept. 12. It’s the fifth online sports betting app to launch in D.C.
First Sponsorship With Women’s Sports Team
The partnership with the Washington Spirit is Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s first sponsorship deal with a professional women’s sports organization.
“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, in a press release. “We will look to grow the Fanatics Sportsbook alongside the growing popularity of women’s soccer and women’s sports generally across the country.”
The partnership will include marketing assets such as in-stadium signage at Audi Field, home of the Spirit. Digital market opportunities, activations for soccer fans at Audi Field, and other marketing opportunities will be available.
Fanatics Sportsbook is now live in 22 states and Washington, D.C.
“We’re excited to announce our groundbreaking partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook,” said Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone. “This is another indication of the momentum surrounding the Spirit and women’s sports. This collaboration gives us the chance to enter the sports betting space with a trusted brand, all while staying true to our commitment to integrity, empowering women, and creating great experiences for our fans.”
The D.C. City Council expanded the district’s online sports betting market over the summer. D.C. council members after unanimously approved the District’s FY 2025 budget on final reading in June, which allowed the existing Type-A sports betting license holders to offer online sports betting throughout the District and outside operators to apply for a newly created Type-C licenses.
The new class of license allows sports franchises in the district to partner with one sports betting operator to conduct online sports betting. The budget will tax Type-C license holders at a rate of 30% of gross gaming revenue and will cost $2 million to acquire for five years. A $1 million renewal fee will be required after the initial term runs out.
Caesars Sportsbook Also Expands D.C. Footprint
In other D.C. online sports betting news, Caesars Sportsbook announced earlier in the week that it will bring self-service sports betting kiosks to 53 small business across the district. Caesars Sportsbook wagering kiosks will replace the GambetDC kiosks that are currently in place at OLG-licensed sports betting retail locations.
The kiosks also accept cash deposits to Caesars Sportsbook online accounts.
“We appreciate the Office of Lottery and Gaming for providing us the opportunity to further our connection with sports fans in our nation’s capital,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “Our self-service betting kiosks are an excellent addition to our sports wagering options in D.C. Whether sports fans prefer a traditional ticket-in-hand wagering experience or want to simply deposit cash for their mobile app account, our kiosks enhance the premier sports betting experience we offer through the combination of options and convenience that supports dozens of small businesses locally.”
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Fanatics, the popular sports merchandise retailer, has made a major move into the world of sports betting by securing access to the lucrative Washington, D.C. market. The company recently announced that it has launched operations in the city, allowing fans to place bets on their favorite teams and players.
This development comes as no surprise, as Fanatics has been steadily expanding its presence in the sports industry in recent years. The company has partnerships with some of the biggest names in sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. By entering the sports betting market, Fanatics is further solidifying its position as a one-stop shop for all things sports-related.
Washington, D.C. is an ideal location for Fanatics to launch its sports betting operations. The city has a passionate fan base that supports a number of professional sports teams, including the Washington Football Team, Washington Wizards, and Washington Capitals. With so many loyal fans in the area, there is no doubt that Fanatics will see success in this market.
In addition to offering traditional sports betting options, Fanatics is also planning to launch a number of innovative features that will set it apart from other sportsbooks. For example, the company is working on a mobile app that will allow fans to place bets on their favorite teams and players from anywhere in the city. This convenience is sure to attract a wide range of customers and help Fanatics establish itself as a leader in the sports betting industry.
Overall, Fanatics’ entry into the Washington, D.C. sports betting market is a significant development that is sure to shake up the industry. With its strong brand recognition and innovative features, the company is well-positioned to become a major player in the world of sports betting. Fans in the city can look forward to an exciting new way to engage with their favorite teams and players, thanks to Fanatics’ new operations.
