Fanatics Sportsbook Opens Columbus Retail Venue at Nationwide Arena

Article ByDavid Weir

August 28, 2023

Spread the Word:

Posted in: Ohio Gambling News, US Sports Betting News

Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the sports betting arm of the global sports merchandise retailer Fanatics, has announced the opening of its latest retail sportsbook in the Arena District of Columbus, Ohio.

This new venture is in partnership with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, operating opposite the ice hockey team’s Nationwide Arena home.

To mark the occasion, a special preview event was held with Ohio sports legends Ryan Shazier and R.J .Umberger (pictured). The former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ohio State University, and the former center for the Columbus Blue Jackets, placed the ceremonial first bets.

The new sportsbook, located at 401 North Front Street, offers 5,000 square feet of space. It is equipped with four betting windows, 14 self-service betting kiosks, and a video wall with 20 monitors.

“Having Columbus sports legends like Ryan and RJ come out and place the first bets shows that we plan to be the premier sports viewing and betting destination in the Arena District when we open our doors to the public on Friday,” said Ari Borod, chief business officer at Fanatics Betting and Gaming, in a press release.

“The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus will be a great complement to our online sportsbook experience for sports fans living and visiting Ohio.”

Local Sporting Legends

Fanatics, one of the biggest sports merchandise retailers in the world, is finally gearing up its sportsbook launch after a slow rollout across the last six months.

The new Columbus venue is its second retail sportsbook in Ohio. Earlier in August, it opened a retail betting venue just opposite the Cleveland Guardian’s Progressive Field stadium.

Shazier wagered $20 at +700 odds on the Buckeyes to clinch the college football national championship. Meanwhile, Umberger placed a $20 bet at +475 odds on the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the AFC North Division.

As well as sports betting, a full-service restaurant operated by Delaware North will cater to visitors with a variety of food options. The sportsbook will provide betting markets for all the usual mainstream sports, including professional and college football, basketball, hockey, baseball, tennis, soccer, golf, MMA, and boxing.

Fanatics Expands in Ohio

The launch comes at a busy time for Fanatics, as it has also expanded its online offerings. Earlier this month, the company launched its online sportsbook in several states, including Ohio.

The retail giant is now upping the pace of its sportsbook rollout after finalizing the details of its $225 million acquisition of Australian online sportsbook PointsBet’s U.S. operations.

The expansion of Ohio sports betting has seen some controversy since the market launched in January.

The BetMGM sportsbook at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark, soon to be relocated, was at the center of the scandal that resulted in the firing of University of Alabama head baseball coach Brad Bohannon. The Ohio retail sportsbook saw a junior Alabama coach allegedly communicate with Bohannon while attempting to place a $400,000 bet.

On that front, though, Fanatics Betting and Gaming and the Columbus Blue Jackets both emphasized the importance of responsible gaming in the launch announcement.

Fanatics says the staff at its new Columbus venue have undergone training in responsible wagering and are equipped to provide support services to customers when needed.

The sportsbook will officially open its doors to the public on Friday, with operating hours from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.