Fanatics Betting and Gaming capped off a big week on Friday as it celebrated the arrival of the newest brick-and-mortar sportsbook in Ohio sports betting.
The New York-based operator opened the retail establishment at Progressive Field, the home of the Cleveland Guardians. It’s the second physical location for Fanatics and the first at an MLB ballpark.
Last Wednesday, Fanatics announced the full-scale launch of its Ohio sports betting app, which had been in a soft launch phase for months. Ohio is one of the first four states for Fanatics’ online presence, along with Maryland, Massachusetts and Tennessee.
“We designed this location to complement our online sports betting app and usher in a brand new sports betting experience with the most rewarding online sportsbook in Ohio, allowing customers to earn up to 5% back in FanCash on every bet,” said Ari Borod, Fanatics betting and gaming chief business officer Ari Borod.
Fanatics’ FanCash allows bettors to get promotional credits back for each wager. A straight bet earns 1%, a traditional parlay earns 3% and a same-game parlay nets a 5% credit.
Not Accessible from Inside Ballpark
Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio is located just outside the rightfield gate of Progressive Field. The 600-square-foot facility has two betting windows, four kiosks and seven television screens.
It’s open from 2 pm to 8 pm on weekdays and from 11 am to 9 pm on weekends. When the Guardians are at home, the sportsbook will open two hours before the game’s scheduled start and stay open through the final out.
Cleveland Guardians Vice President of Corporate and Premium Partnerships Ted Baugh said the company looked forward to working with Fanatics in a retail sports betting partnership. The baseball team is a partner with Bet365 Ohio for online wagering.
“This will provide our fans a very convenient in-person option to place bets,” Baugh said.
While it’s at the stadium and open during game days, the Fanatics Sportsbook can be accessed only from outside the ballpark.
Fanatics betting Vice President of Communications Kevin Hennessy told BetOhio.com the sportsbook is designed for fans 21 and older to visit before the game.
BetMGM Ohio’s sportsbook at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati operates similarly, although BetMGM has plans to relocate across from the Cincinnati Reds’ stadium later this year.
Fanatics Also Opening Soon in Columbus
The Cleveland sportsbook won’t be Fanatics' only retail presence in Ohio. The operator also has plans to open another brick-and-mortar sportsbook by the end of this month. That one will be outside of Nationwide Arena in Columbus, where the Columbus Blue Jackets play.
The NHL team is also Fanatics' online partner in the state.
Once the Columbus sportsbook opens, there will be 14 retail sportsbooks across Ohio.
Keep visiting BetOhio.com for the latest news on sports betting and the best Ohio sportsbook promos available.
