Fanatics Sportsbook is now available in the Nationwide area in Columbus

Ohio Sports Betting Expands Industry

Ohio Sports Betting Expands with Opening of Fanatics Sportsbook

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 06 September 2023

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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The sports betting market in Ohio has undergone further expansion with the opening of a new retail sportsbook in Columbus. The new sportsbook has been opened by Fanatics Betting and Gaming, and it has been launched in partnership with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. It officially opened last week just outside the Nationwide Arena, which is the home of the Blue Jackets.

Officials from Fanatics have expressed their excitement about the opening of the new sports betting facility. The timing of the launch is also excellent, as it comes just before the start of the 2023 football season, which could bring in huge numbers of sports fans looking to place bets and enjoy the sporting action.

The first ceremonial bets at the new sportsbook facility were placed by sporting celebrities Ryan Shazier and RJ Umberger. The special opening event was held the day before the official opening of the sportsbook last week.

A Remarkable Facility

A day before the opening, Blue Jackets senior vice president and chief operating officer Cameron Scholvin spoke about the new facility and described it as ‘remarkable’. He said:

Tomorrow will be an exciting day for Blue Jackets fans and for sports fans in Ohio as we officially open the Fanatics Sportsbook in the shadow of Nationwide Arena.

He added that he wanted to thank sporting superstars Umberger and Shazier for joining them for the grand opening of the facility. In addition, he expressed his gratitude to Fanatics and to others who worked tirelessly to ‘make this remarkable facility a reality’.

Ari Borod, the chief business officer at Fanatics, also spoke about the opening of the new sports betting facility.

Borod said that having Umberger and Shazier place the first bets showed that the venue aimed to become known as a premier destination for sports betting. He also stated that the new facility would complement the online sports betting offering from Fanatics for those living in or visiting the state.

Details of the New Fanatics Sportsbook

An official press release provided details of the new facility prior to the grand opening. There are four betting windows as well as over a dozen self-service betting kiosks. In addition, the venue has an impressive video wall along with 20 monitors for sports viewing.

There is also a full-service restaurant onsite, which is run by Delaware North. So, those who visit the new sports betting venue will be able to enjoy great dining and beverages alongside an exciting and relaxing sports betting and viewing experience.

Opening times for the new sportsbook facility were also revealed. It will be open seven days a week and will open from midday until 10.00 pm on weekdays. At the weekend, the opening hours will be from 11.00 am until 10.00 pm.

The opening of this newest Ohio sports betting facility from Fanatics comes just days after the company opened another facility. This was a 600 square foot sports betting venue at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, which is home to MLB side the Cleveland Guardians.