Is Fanatics Sportsbook Legit? What Sets It Apart From Other U.S. Sportsbooks

Fanatics is a name familiar to every household when it comes to sports clothing, memorabilia, and licensed team merchandise. The company recently transitioned from jerseys and memorabilia to enter the regulated internet sports betting industry. With its new division, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, and its acquisition of PointsBet’s U.S. business, the brand has become a key force in the sportsbook arena at a very fast pace.

This move has generated curiosity among sports nuts and bettors in general. The big question remains: Is Fanatics Sportsbook legit, and why is this new kid on the block different compared to existing U.S. sportsbook providers?

The move signals a major shift in the sports industry. Fanatics, already valued at over $30 billion in retail, brings one of the largest customer databases in U.S. sports into the betting scene. Analysts see this as the first time a sports merchandise giant has tried to merge retail, data, and wagering at scale — potentially reshaping how fans engage with their favorite teams.

Is Fanatics Sportsbook Legit and Licensed?

Fanatics Sportsbook is absolutely legit. The business conducts business under state-level licenses and regulations across a handful of U.S. states, fully complying with laws related to web betting.

Each license is granted by the respective state’s gaming authority — such as the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) or the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). Fanatics also partners with organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to promote responsible gaming practices.

Licensed in several states: Fanatics Sportsbook is already licensed in several states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Kentucky, West Virginia, and several others. 

Stringent control: Every license must comply with provisions involving member protection, verification of age, responsible playing tools, and geolocation measures.

Translucent ownership: Fanatics Sportsbook is owned by Fanatics Holdings, Inc., a well-established sports retail firm. 

Where Is Fanatics Sportsbook Legal?

Since sports betting is regulated at the state level, availability is determined by your location. Up to 2025, the sportsbook is active across a number of key markets and is growing at a fast pace.

Already live in: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Vermont, and Virginia.

Anticipated release in: Colorado, New York, Michigan, and other states where regulatory approval is awaited.

Fanatics Sportsbook has secured market access in Missouri through a partnership with Boyd Gaming’s Ameristar Casino locations

Just like with any sportsbook, users must confirm the legality of the platform in their state prior to joining.

Most of these markets allow both mobile and desktop access, while some states also permit in-person registration or retail betting through Fanatics’ casino partners.

Current Fanatics Sportsbook availability (2025):

| State | Online Betting | Retail Partner |

|--------|----------------|----------------|
| Pennsylvania |  | Live! Casino Philadelphia |
| Maryland | | FedExField (Washington Commanders) |
| Kentucky | | Online only |
| Ohio |  | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| Tennessee |  | Online only |

Source: Unsplash 

What Sets Fanatics Sportsbook Apart?

• Fanatics was able to combine its huge retail footprint with betting innovations. The following is what distinguishes it from other U.S. operators:
• FanCash Rewards Program: The bettors are rewarded with FanCash, which they can exchange for actual Fanatics merchandise. The sportsbook is the first ever to allow consumers to convert betting rewards into actual fan gear.
• Integrated Sports Ecosystem: The firm ties together its retail, collectibles, and betting platforms in a single experience, allowing fans to shop and bet under a single ecosystem.
• Data-Driven Personalization: Using its e-commerce information, Fanatics makes offers and betting suggestions according to users’ favorite teams or past activity.
• Exclusive Promotions: Players can also take advantage of ongoing Fanatics Sportsbook promo offers that frequently tie into major sporting events or FanCash reward opportunities.
• They transform Fanatics into something bigger than a sportsbook; it is created as a connector between the loyalty of a fan and betting fun.

The Fanatics Sportsbook app has earned praise for its clean interface and intuitive design, mirroring the ease of its retail platform. Bettors can access real-time odds, in-game stats, and quick-bet features without heavy navigation. Early comparisons show Fanatics’ odds are competitive with leading sportsbooks, especially on major leagues like the NFL and NBA.

How It Compares to Other U.S. Sportsbooks

Whereas others, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook control the modern U.S. game, Fanatics possesses a unique name.

FanDuel and DraftKings are still top dogs thanks to their head start and association with daily fantasy sports. But they have no association with sports merchandise like Fanatics and no-brainer rewards in the real world. BetMGM, with its excellent casino integration, emphasizes traditional play instead of sports merch. Caesars Sportsbook bases its business almost solely on promotion bonuses and loyalty programs, yet lacks affiliation with the fan culture and collecting that Fanatics possesses.

Quick Comparison Snapshot (2025):

Market analysts estimate Fanatics could capture 10–15% of the U.S. online betting share by 2026 if current growth continues.

User Experience, Safety & Trust

Apart from licenses, Fanatics also pays due concern to playing and working security.

Safe verification and payments: The website offers key payment methods such as Visa, PayPal, and ACH transfers that are secured under compulsory security measures via state.

Responsible gambling features: Fanatics has deposit limits, a self-exclusion feature, and a time reminder, whereby users are able to play responsibly.

21+ requirement and geolocation compliance: Bets can be placed by users 21 and above in legally sound jurisdictions, confirmed via accurate geolocation technology.
Even as it continues to grow, Fanatics has earned a reputation for honesty and dependability. And users can even take disputes to a state gaming board, a protection that serves as further proof of its legitimacy.

The app is available for both iOS and Android, offering biometric login and push notifications for live events. Customer support is available 24/7 through chat and email, and disputes can be escalated directly to the relevant state gaming regulator if unresolved — ensuring user protection at every step.

With its expanding state footprint and integration of shopping, collectibles, and betting, Fanatics is expected to experiment with personalized fan hubs — where users can follow teams, shop jerseys, and place bets in one place. Industry observers predict that Fanatics could become a major “super app” for U.S. sports enthusiasts within the next few years.

Conclusion: A Legit Player With a Unique Edge

In short, Fanatics Sportsbook is completely legit, licensed, regulated, and upfront about ownership and compliance. What makes it stand apart from other U.S. sportsbooks is the combination of fan loyalty, in-the-real-world rewards, and sports betting. With the FanCash program and leveraging its gigantic network of physical stores, Fanatics has introduced a completely new form of sports ecosystem. 

Whereas the challenge remains that of challenging giants, the bold move by Fanatics has already set it up as a force to be reckoned with in the U.S. betting world. Prior to placing wagers, clients must always verify their local laws and be sure to play responsibly.

- B.E. Delmer, Gambling911.com