After buying out PointsBet’s U.S. sports betting operations, sports merchandise giant Fanatics has rolled out Fanatics Sportsbook. Launching in Virginia on November 21, 2023, Fanatics was the 16th sportsbook to launch in VA, though two of those others have since closed their operations.
As the new kid on the block, Fanatics will have plenty of work to do to carve out a space in a busy Virginia market. In this guide to Fanatics Sportsbook, we’ll walk you through the bookie’s signup process, elaborate on some of the pros and cons of using the platform, and assess an overall score for the operator based on several key metrics for consumers.
Signing up for Fanatics Sportsbook in Virginia is relatively easy, though you’ll need to download the mobile betting app to be able to access the platform, as there is no gambling website. Here is how you can sign up and secure the VA sportsbook promo.
To maximize the benefits of the Fanatics promo in Virginia, Virginia bettors should strategize effectively. Begin by securing eligibility: download the Fanatics Sportsbook app, register, and authenticate via email prior to the deposit.
Strategize your qualifying wager by selecting markets wisely, aiming for those with odds of -200 or higher, thus fulfilling the promo requirements while enhancing potential returns. It's crucial to bet $5 or more, activating the bonus. Once the initial bet settles, you receive up to $200 as a bonus bet.
Maintain this momentum by placing daily bets for five consecutive days, optimizing the opportunity to accumulate up to $1,000 in bonus bets. Strategize your bonus bet placement within the seven-day validity to avoid forfeiture of funds. Remember, no specific bonus code is needed, keeping the process straightforward.
Importantly, stay within the promotional timeline and adhere to these strategies, aligning betting activities with the promotion's active period until December 17, 2024, ensuring full utilization of the Fanatics promo benefits for Virginian bettors.
In order to successfully qualify and take advantage of the Fanatics promo, it's important to know the important terms and conditions of it. We have included the most important ones below:
Is Fanatics Sportsbook legal in Virginia?
Yes, Fanatics Sportsbook is legal in Virginia. Under the previous PointsBet branding, PointsBet secured a gambling operator’s license from the Virginia Lottery, which oversees all betting operations in the state. When Fanatics purchased PointsBet’s U.S. sports betting operations, that included the licenses, so Fanatics did not need to reapply for licensure.
Fanatics Sportsbook first accepted wagers in Virginia on November 21, 2023. This launch came two days before Thanksgiving, allowing Virginians to get their wagers in ahead of the NFL action that has become synonymous with the holiday.
Pros and cons of Fanatics online sportsbook in VA
Before signing up with any Virginia sports betting operator, it’s important to take a look at the long-term benefits and drawbacks of using their platform. Here, we’ve laid out a few of the key pros and cons of Fanatics online sportsbook in VA.
Benefits
How to deposit to Fanatics online sportsbook in VA
Depositing money into your Fanatics online sportsbook account has somewhat limited options for players in VA, but the process itself is quick and easy if you’ve completed account verification. Here is how to make a deposit.
How to withdraw from Fanatics online sportsbook in Virginia
The withdrawal process with Fanatics is relatively quick, though depending on the method you choose, withdrawal times could take anywhere from 1-10 business days. You can access your winnings via debit card, online bank transfer, a check through USPS, or a wire transfer. Here’s how you can withdraw from your Fanatics online sportsbook account in Virginia.
Can I bet on horses at Fanatics online sportsbook in VA?
No, you cannot bet on horses at Fanatics online sportsbook in VA. Fanatics’ platform does not cover horse race betting in any state, though expansion into the racing world would be a logical area of expansion in the future.
For now, the operator will focus on completing the conversions from the PointsBet platforms and perhaps on building a betting website.
The primary way to contact Fanatics Sportsbook in Virginia is to use the support chat in the mobile app. One great feature of the chat is you can see how many people are in the support queue ahead of you while waiting to connect with an agent.
Additionally, you can send an email to support@betfanatics.com, though it may take up to 24 hours to receive a response. While the FAQ pages may be of some assistance, you may have an easier time with either of these other methods than in trying to browse that section of the app.
The Fanatics mobile app in Virginia
Fanatics operates in a mobile app-only capacity. While a betting website could be a future option, there aren’t any plans for a browser-based platform at this time.
Early reviews of the VA sports betting app are somewhat mixed. In the iOS App Store, users rated Fanatics at a 4.7/5. However, the score took a noticeable dip among Android bettors, who gave the bookie a 3.9/5.
Google Play Store reviews noted considerable bugginess with the app, though that is somewhat expected given the newness of the platform. We expect those issues to be resolved in future updates, though continued bugs should be reported to the Fanatics support team.
How to download the Fanatics app on iOS
Downloading the Fanatics app on your iOS device is easy and free. Here’s how to get started.
How to download the Fanatics app on Android
You can download the Fanatics Sportsbook app for free on your Android device today! Here’s how.
Does Fanatics Sportsbook have a retail location in Virginia?
No, Fanatics Sportsbook does not have a retail location in Virginia. Fanatics only has one retail sportsbook location, across the street from Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.
There are also only two other in-person betting locations: FedEx Field in North Englewood, MD, Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. These two options are likely unrealistic for most Virginia bettors, though if Fanatics expands its in-person offerings, we will update you of the changes.
Our expert opinion on Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia
In our expert opinion, Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia has loads of potential, so we’ll have to wait and see if they can capitalize. With strong financial backing from the merchandise operation, the bookie should be able to innovate in the space and continue to grow in its offerings.
The FanCash program is the best feature of the sportsbook, giving users a percentage of their wagers back as “FanCash.” This can then be used to purchase betting perks such as bonus bets or be used to purchase memorabilia and merchandise from Fanatics retailers.
However, we do see a few areas that are concerning. The lack of a website can limit bettor access to the platform and is a hindrance to effective customer support (Fanatics’ merchandise outlet doesn’t exactly have a sterling reputation either). Additionally, we’d like to see an expansion of payment methods, especially to enhance the withdrawal process.
