An emerging sports betting operator has teamed up with an NHL franchise.
Fanatics Sportsbook has agreed to a long-term partnership with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes giving the operator market access to North Carolina once the state goes live with wagering. As part of the pact, Fanatics is also named the official sports betting partner of the Hurricanes.
“We are working with one of the most talented professional sports organizations that knows how to grow a sports business by putting a competitive product out on the ice,” said Fanatics Betting and Gaming CBO Ari Borod. “We look forward to partnering with the organization to bring sports fans in North Carolina a sports betting product that meets the expectations of such a passionate fanbase.”
Deal includes retail sportsbook at PNC Arena
Fanatics has secured a deal with the Hurricanes as North Carolina prepares to go live with sports betting in the first quarter of 2024. The North Carolina Lottery Commission, which regulates wagering in the state, requires sportsbooks to partner with a professional sports team, venue, or league to be granted market access. Fanatics has also announced plans to integrate its betting operations into a retail sportsbook at PNC Arena — home of the Hurricanes since 1999.
The partnership with the Hurricanes adds to a busy month for Fanatics. The Florida-based company launched retail and online wagering in Connecticut through a partnership with the state’s Lottery Corporation. Fanatics, which launched sports betting in August 2023, is currently available in ten states, which also include Colorado, West Virginia and most recently Vermont.
Fanatics was one of three sportsbooks to launch in Vermont when betting went live on Jan. 11.
Stiff competition for Fanatics in North Carolina
The Tar Heel State has emerged as an intriguing market for some of America’s largest operators.
Earlier this month, DraftKings landed a deal with NASCAR to become an authorized operator in North Carolina and become the motorsport giant’s exclusive daily fantasy sports partner. BetMGM also reached an operator agreement with Charlotte Motor Speedway — host of the Coca-Cola 600. Underdog Fantasy, ESPN Bet, FanDuel, and bet365 are other operators eyeing the North Carolina market.
