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 effectively take advantage of the Fanatics promo in Virginia, strategize by diversifying your bets across different sports markets within the given odds of -500 or longer, maximizing the potential of each of your 10 No Sweat Bets.
Begin by placing well-researched $1 wagers to ensure you’re making informed bets. Should you lose, you receive up to $100 in Bonus Bets daily, allowing you to sustain your betting momentum without additional risk.
Utilize loss mitigation strategies; by spreading your initial bets across ten days, you significantly increase your chances of receiving Bonus Bets. When utilizing Bonus Bets, opt for higher odds as winnings don’t include the stake, hence, higher odds could yield better returns. Remember, Bonus Bets expire in 7 days, so plan your bets to not waste this opportunity.
Lastly, keep a keen eye on the sports calendar to make the most out of event-specific betting opportunities within the promotion period. Adhering to these strategies will not just meet the requirements but also enhance your betting experience and potential returns in Virginia.
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.
