Skip to main content

Fanatics Underscoreg Takes Place of PlaySugarHouse in Connecticut

Davis Isabela

Updated as of December 13, 2023 at 12:03 PM EST. Read time: 2 minutes and 12 seconds. Find more information on Twitter and Google News.

Cam Spencer of the Connecticut Huskies attempts a three-point shot as we look at the latest Connecticut industry news concerning Fanatics.
Cam Spencer #12 of the Connecticut Huskies attempts a three-point shot against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of a game in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2023. Connecticut defeated North Carolina 87-76. Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images via AFP.

The Connecticut legal sports betting industry is embracing change by ushering out the old and welcoming in the new.

Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the betting division of the renowned global sports apparel brand Fanatics, has quietly introduced its sports betting product in Connecticut through a collaboration with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. With this launch, Connecticut now marks the ninth state where Fanatics Betting and Gaming is operating.

In Connecticut, the newest sports betting app is up against tough competition from industry giants FanDuel and DraftKings, which currently hold a significant portion of the market.

Fanatics Underscoreg is proud to announce their partnership with CT Lottery retail sports betting locations as the official odds provider. They will offer legal betting markets for a wide range of sports including professional and college football, basketball, hockey, baseball, as well as tennis, soccer, golf, MMA, and boxing. The development and trading of these markets will be managed in-house at Fanatics Betting and Gaming, supported by top-tier trading suppliers.

Fanatics is introducing its retail and online sports betting platform to the Connecticut market in a limited capacity, with a full launch scheduled for Monday, December 18th.

Fanatics replaces Rush Street Interactive’s PlaySugarHouse in Connecticut, as PlaySugarHouse has struggled to gain momentum and has consistently lagged behind FanDuel and DraftKings in the competition for market dominance in the state.

What the “soft” launch means

Fanatics Underscoreg will be launching its full sportsbook on Monday, but will be allowing 2,000 online customers to register and place bets with the brand before Week 15 of the NFL season.

Online customers of Lucky Fanatics will have restricted betting hours leading up to the official launch. Customers in Connecticut were able to access the betting site from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, with betting available from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Starting Friday, customers will have 24-hour access to the site until Sunday.

Retail betting officially began with a complete launch at the 10 brick-and-mortar gambling locations owned by the Connecticut Lottery.

What Fanatics’ presence means

The Connecticut Lottery has struggled to establish a significant presence in the legal sports betting market, as FanDuel and DraftKings have dominated the state. In order to increase their market share and presence in the Nutmeg State, the Lottery needed to bring in new talent.

Fanatics, a well-known sports apparel company with approximately 95 million customers, has been making strides in the sports betting industry after acquiring PointsBet’s American assets for $225 million earlier this year.

Fanatics is currently operating in nine U.S. jurisdictions and is quickly establishing itself as one of the top sports betting sites.

Greg Smith, president and CEO of the CT Lottery, expressed admiration for the Fanatics team and their strong presence in the U.S. sports betting market. He is looking forward to seeing how they revolutionize the sports betting experience in Connecticut. The CLC expects significant market share growth from this partnership.

What else Fanatics brings to Connecticut

Fanatics is not just introducing a breath of fresh air to the Connecticut sports betting apps market, but they are also prioritizing responsible gaming as an essential component of their platform. Responsible gaming was a key focus during discussions leading up to their partnership with Fanatics. Customers in the Nutmeg State will have access to a 24/7 chat line and a thorough Help Center equipped with various responsible gaming resources.

Customers in Connecticut who are fans of Fanatics can also take advantage of the company’s Fanatics Rewards program, which offers great bonuses and additional betting perks. This program includes a 1%-5% Cash Back option that can be used towards purchases at the Fanatics store, where customers can find a wide selection of elite sports apparel products.

Written By:
Davis Isabela
Davis Isabela is the Editor-in-Chief of Underscoreg Review. He has been a writer, reporter and editor for more than 20 years, and his work has appeared in more than 200 publications across North America. His first book, “100 Greatest Canadian Sports Moments”, was a hardcover best-seller in Canada in 2008. He has written more than 50 sportsbook reviews and dozens of other sportsbook-related content articles. James has also been quoted as a sports betting expert in USA Today and Sports Illustrated.