Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the sports betting subsidiary of Fanatics Holdings, has inaugurated a pioneering retail sportsbook in collaboration with the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Ohio. Situated at the Right Field District Gate, the sportsbook covers nearly 600 square feet, introducing a dynamic space for sports enthusiasts to engage in legal betting activities.
Location and Features:
The new Fanatics Sportsbook is strategically positioned at the corner of Larry Doby Way and East 9th Street, offering easy accessibility for patrons. Boasting two betting windows, four self-service betting kiosks, and seven TV monitors, the sportsbook is designed to provide an immersive and interactive betting experience. This marks a significant milestone as the first retail sportsbook in Major League Baseball.
Legal Betting Markets:
The Fanatics Sportsbook at Progressive Field will offer legal betting markets for a wide array of sports, encompassing professional and college football, basketball, hockey, baseball, tennis, soccer, golf, MMA, and boxing. This diverse range ensures that patrons can engage with their favorite sports and teams while participating in legal and regulated betting activities.
Ceremonial First Bet:
To commemorate the grand opening, Paul Shuey, former Cleveland Guardian pitcher, placed the ceremonial first bet. Shuey, a first-round pick in 1992 and a University of North Carolina graduate, symbolically wagered $20 on the Cleveland Guardians to win their home opener against the University of South Carolina on September 2.
Operating Schedule:
The Fanatics Sportsbook will be open on weekdays from 2 pm to 8 pm and on weekends from 11 am to 9 pm. On game days, the sportsbook will open two hours prior to the first pitch and remain operational until the conclusion of the game. The Fanatics Sportsbook app is available for download in Ohio for both iOS and Android platforms.
Expansion Beyond Ohio:
In addition to the Ohio launch, the Fanatics Sportsbook is now also available online in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. This expansion underscores Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding sports betting experience to users across multiple states.
Strategic Partnership with Cleveland Guardians:
Ted Baugh, Vice President of Corporate and Premium Partnerships at the Cleveland Guardians, expressed excitement about the partnership with Fanatics Betting and Gaming. The retail sportsbook at Progressive Field offers fans a convenient in-person option to engage in legal sports betting, enhancing the overall fan experience.
A New Era in Sports Betting:
Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, highlighted the significance of this venture as the company’s first retail sportsbook at a Major League Ballpark. The design of the location complements the online sports betting app, introducing a novel sports betting experience. Customers can also earn up to 5% back in FanCash on every bet, adding an extra layer of rewards to the betting process.
The launch of the Fanatics Sportsbook at Progressive Field marks a pioneering step in the convergence of sports and betting experiences. As legal sports betting continues to evolve, Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s strategic expansion and partnership with the Cleveland Guardians set a precedent for the integration of betting facilities within the realm of Major League Baseball, providing patrons with a seamless blend of entertainment and wagering opportunities.