Though Fanatics is still some time away from launching an online casino in Pennsylvania, the new operator debuted its own platform for the first time in West Virginia last month.
Valued at around $31 billion, Fanatics already has brand recognition that is unparalleled to most companies in the country, let alone the sports industry. While West Virginia will be Fanatics’ online casino trial run, there’s plenty to take away for when the operator is ready to launch in the Keystone State.
Key takeaways from Fanatics online casino debut in West Virginia
Despite Pennsylvania having many more PA online casinos than West Virginia, Fanatics’ entrance into the Mountain State is groundbreaking in several ways.
Fanatics operates a sportsbook in the following states:
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Ohio
- Tennessee
The new operator is present in other markets, such as Pennsylvania, after acquiring and now operating PointsBet Sportsbook PA earlier this year. While sports betting has been a priority for the company, its online casino is starting to make waves after launching in West Virginia. Fanatics Casino is integrated into the sportsbook app.
The migration process has begun in West Virginia, which means PointsBet is no longer operational. When customers log in to their PointsBet account, they will be instructed to download the Fanatics app. All customers’ usernames, passwords, account balances, rewards points and responsible gaming settings will be automatically transferred onto the Fanatics platform.
Logging into Fanatics with PointsBet’s credentials will get players into the app with the same balance and open bets from PointsBet.
Fanatics officials declined to comment on a timeline for which Fanatics will launch a Pennsylvania sportsbook and online casino. However, officials did tell PlayPennsylvania that PointsBet will be operational in the Keystone State for “awhile.”
It’s not guaranteed that the same exact steps would be pertinent to a Pennsylvania launch. However, PA bettors can get an idea of the process once Fanatics is ready to enter the market.
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What a Fanatics Pennsylvania online casino could look like
The Northeast section of the country is the most fanatical over sports. Pennsylvania might be up at the top of the list with the way Pittsburgh and Philadelphia fans love their teams.
Fanatics has a promotional system for just betting on both the sportsbook and online casino. Bettors have the opportunity to earn FanCash, which can be redeemed through the website to buy team gear or use as bonus bets. For the sportsbook, here are the following ways to earn FanCash:
- Straight bet: Up to 1% of the amount bet
- Parlay bet: Up to 3% of the amount bet
- Same game parlay: Up to 5% of the amount bet
Fanatics had not released a promotional program for its online casino until it recently launched in West Virginia. Fanatics told PlayPennsylvania casino players in West Virginia can earn FanCash in the following ways:
- Slots: 0.5% of wager
- Table games: 0.13% of wager
Both Fanatics’ sportsbook and online casino promotions make the company one of the most anticipated launches ever. Fanatics went live in West Virginia with slots, roulette and blackjack, including a Fanatics-branded blackjack. The casino does not have live dealer games as of yet.
With DraftKings and FanDuel leading the market in both gaming verticals, it makes it difficult for new operators to generate significant market share. As an already successful company, Fanatics is looking to shake up the gaming industry.