Fanatics Sportsbook Opens at Progressive Field in Cleveland

Article ByDavid Weir

August 18, 2023

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Posted in: Ohio Gambling News, US Sports Betting News

The Cleveland Guardians have partnered with Fanatics to launch a retail sportsbook directly outside the Progressive Field stadium.

Fanatics moved swiftly to open the retail book, after fully launching its online operations in the state just two days prior.

The 600-square-foot venue will take the place of the former New Era clothing store and will have a mix of staffed betting windows and self-service kiosks.

The venue was opened by former Guardians pitcher Paul Shuey in a ceremony on Friday morning. His presence at the launch event added a touch of nostalgia and was a nod to the deep-rooted baseball history of the city.

Fanatics, the sports merchandise and now sports betting operator, also plans to soon open a bigger Ohio sportsbook at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, home to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.

A Closer Look at the Fanatics Sportsbook

Situated just outside Progressive Field, the new sportsbook features multiple betting windows and self-service kiosks, catering to seasoned bettors and newcomers. The facility’s strategic location ensures fans can place their bets before entering the stadium and even during games to take advantage of in-game betting markets.

The sportsbook will operate from 10 a.m. to midnight on nongame days, and will extend its hours from 8 a.m. to midnight on days when the Guardians play at home.

The introduction of the Fanatics sportsbook at Progressive Field will contribute to Ohio’s booming sports betting scene – but not by a lot.

Retail sportsbook account for around 3% of sports betting handle in Ohio, with mobile operators pulling in the other 97% of custom.

Nevertheless, the opening of the sportsbook at Progressive Field is a testament to Fanatics’ aggressive expansion strategy. Traditionally known for its sports merchandise ecommerce operations, Fanatics has big plans for its sports betting division.

It planned to be live in 12 states by the end of 2023, a plan which looks a little far off now, with just four in operation. However, once its $225 million purchase of PointsBet finalizes, it will be able to launch in that operator’s 14 licensed markets.

Ohio is for Sportsbooks

Since Ohio’s legalization of sports betting in January this year, the state’s sportsbooks have proved very popular with bettors.

Currently, there are 17 operators in Ohio, and they’ve collectively generated $209 million in revenue.

Among the most popular online operartors are FanDuel and DraftKings, but the most popular retail book is the BetMGM venue and MGM Northfield Park, near Akron.

It made $4.7 million in June, which was $3.7 million ahead of any of it’s nearest rivals. Those include Caesars at the Cleveland Cavaliers Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and the soon-to-be-relocated BetMGM at the Cincinnati Reds’ Great American Ballpark.

However, compare that revenue number to the state’s total handle of $352 million, and the $120 million handle of FanDuel’s online sportsbook alone, and you can see what Fanatics’ retail venue is up against.

One operator who won’t be causing much trouble for Fanatics is struggling sportsbook and newly turned daily fantasy sports operator Betr.

Despite being backed by Ohio’s own social media and boxing star Jake Paul, the microbetting-focused app has failed to gain traction with the state’s bettors, posting just $2600 in revenue and sub 1% market share in June.