Fanatics Sportsbook announced Thursday that the brand will make its much-anticipated nationwide debut in late January.
Fortunately for Maryland sports bettors and fans, this launch is taking place in none other than Maryland, as Fanatics prepares to open its first retail sportsbook location at FedEx Field this Friday.
Fanatics Sportsbook to open retail location at FedEx Field
Not only is this debut a monumental win for Maryland in the sports betting world, but it’s also a big victory for the Washington Commanders.
FedEx Field, the Commanders’ home in Landover, will soon feature the first retail sportsbook in an NFL stadium.
Fanatics Sportsbook is set to open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20, the company said. That is, of course, pending final state regulatory approval.
Regulatory systems testing is taking place on Jan. 12 and Jan. 17 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. at FedEx Field. The public is welcome to place live bets during those times.
Fanatics Sportsbook app also in the works for 2023
Maryland awarded Fanatics an online sports betting license in November along with nine other operators. Seven of those operators launched immediately on Nov. 23.
Three of those sportsbook apps, though, hung back from the initial launch. Two other brands have also received licensing approval since then. These remaining books must all undergo final controlled demonstrations in order to receive a final green light for launch.
The approved Maryland sportsbook apps that have yet to debut are:
- BetFred
- BetParx
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- Bally Bet
- WynnBet
Fanatics has been quietly planning launch details since its approval. As of now, Fanatics Sportsbook’s online betting operations are anticipated to begin later this year.
As far as what Maryland sports bettors can expect from the app, that’s yet to be determined.
The first-time bookmaker comes with instant name recognition among sports fans and a considerable bankroll thanks to its affiliation with Fanatics, the apparel and merchandising giant.
