Months ago, we reported on the news that Fanatics was making a massive push in the United States to become the top betting operator in the nation. It seems that the firm is still intent on securing that crown, snatching it away from the likes of DraftKings, as intentions have surfaced for the company to launch its virtual casino within the next three months. This online casino product has been in development by Fanatics for some time now, and according to execs, it may be about to launch.
It was just a few weeks ago that Fanatics entered the New Jersey betting scene via the PointsBet sportsbook. Within the next few weeks, there are high expectations that the firm will deploy its online, virtual casino, which is set to be a big money maker for the company. Up until now, Fanatics has busted onto the scene in eleven states for sports betting and four states for online casino activities – and New Jersey is next in the latter regard.
‘iCasino Obviously is a Very Good Business’
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, online casinos experienced a rampant surge in popularity. They became the de facto standard for people looking to play casino games ranging from traditional table games to slots and other exciting games like Crash. They’re full-fledged, end-to-end solutions now, and with the rise of VR and the metaverse, they’re becoming more immersive than ever before.
Fanatics’ online casino isn’t about entering the ever-evolving metaverse, but it will be a comprehensive solution for anyone looking to play casino games without actually going to a casino.
In a statement, Ari Borod, the Chief Business Officer at Fanatics, explained the outlook for the casino application:
‘If there are people who want to play online blackjack on their phone, we don’t want them going to a competitor to do it because we want them to continue engaging with Fanatics. So, we’re obviously going to have to have that, to give the customer what they want. It’s definitely part of the strategy. Fanatics is really a sports business, and so first and foremost, that is what we’re going out with. We want to make sure this is another thing we can add to the Fanatics ecosystem of product. But longer term, as a gaming company, iCasino obviously is a very good business.’
In New Jersey, in particular, online casino gambling generates more than twice the revenue of sportsbook-based betting. There’s a huge market for it, and it’s that growing batch of bettors that Fanatics wants to take advantage of, launching a full-fledged, enhanced online casino for its users to enjoy and appreciate. ]
It was Ari Borod who went on record saying, ‘We should have our iCasino product live by the end of the year, but if we don’t feel it’s perfect yet, then it will be live at the beginning of next year.’
Either way, there isn’t long to wait.
Stay tuned for more news about online casinos
