The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) has selected Fanatics Betting and Gaming as its new sports betting partner. Under this agreement, Fanatics Sportsbook will be one of Connecticut’s three mobile and retail sports betting providers. The sportsbook takes over from PlaySugarHouse, which announced it was leaving the Constitution State in March.
The operator will become a legal sportsbook in CT alongside DraftKings and FanDuel, which are partnered with federally recognized tribes, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe, respectively.
Fanatics Betting and Gaming, which purchased Australian sports betting operator PointsBet in June 2023 for $225 million, is now available in several states, including Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The Connecticut Lottery Corporation, a quasi-public state agency, focuses on generating revenue for Connecticut while adhering to responsible public policy. It operates 11 retail sportsbooks in CT and can operate up to 15 according to the state’s sports betting law. Fanatics Sportsbook will operate a retail sportsbook in ten of these locations.
The transition to the Fanatics Sportsbook is expected to occur in mid-December. Once operational, bettors in Connecticut can access Fanatics Sportsbook through its desktop client, mobile site, iOS and Android apps, and retail facilities.
“We are looking forward to bringing the Fanatics experience to the ten retail locations throughout Connecticut and, more importantly, adding our innovative mobile app to the online choices available in Connecticut,” said Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer of Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “We are excited to be working with the CLC to bring the Fanatics Sportsbook to customers in Connecticut.”
Greg Smith, Connecticut Lottery Commission President & CEO, highlighted Fanatics’ innovative reputation and the company’s expansion as reasons for awarding them the partnership.
“Fanatics is the only true sports brand in the gaming space and has established itself as an innovator in the industry. We have been impressed with the Fanatics team, [and] their aggressive entry into the US sports betting market,” said Smith, adding, “We are excited to see how they redefine the sports betting customer experience here in Connecticut. CLC anticipates notable market share growth as a result of this partnership.”
