FanDuel Sportsbook is still expected to launch in Massachusetts in 2023. However, it is part of a smaller number of sports betting launches in 2023 than what FanDuel CEO Michael Rubin originally projected.
At this week’s CAA World Congress of Sports in Los Angeles, Rubin stated that he expects FanDuel Sportsbook to be live in 15 states by the start of the NFL season. This is a change from his previous projection of 20 states in October. At that time, he also mentioned that FanDuel would begin launching their sports betting app in January, which has not yet happened.
“We’re not in a rush there,” Rubin said this week.
Is going to Fanatics continue to launch inside MA in-may?
Currently, FanDuel is conducting beta testing on their sports betting app in Tennessee and Ohio. They have obtained a temporary online Massachusetts gambling license and are waiting for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to grant them an operations license before they can launch in the state.
While CEO Michael Rubin’s adjustment of his high expectations may not directly impact the launch of FanDuel Sportsbook in Massachusetts in 2023, it does suggest that the previously mentioned May timeline may be unrealistic. It is worth noting that FanDuel is not currently conducting beta testing in the Bay State.
FanDuel has not yet responded to PlayMA’s request for comment on this matter.
Fanatics in addition to media legal rights deals
Rubin’s comments were part of a broader discussion about the future of Fanatics, which included the potential for media rights deals in the sports merchandise company’s pursuit of becoming a major player in online sports betting.
Rubin expressed optimism about the potential profitability of the company’s business ventures, including merchandise, collectibles, and online gambling. He mentioned the possibility of generating $8 billion in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) from these three businesses, which would provide financial resources to secure rights deals.
While Rubin acknowledged the long-term potential of media deals and the popularity of live sports, he emphasized the need to focus on making the existing businesses successful before venturing further. He expressed a cautious approach and a desire to observe and learn about the industry for the foreseeable future.
Matt Bain began as Content Manager at PlayMA in 2022. Before that, he spent six years as a sports reporter and then deputy sports editor for the Des Moines Register, during which time he won eight statewide journalism awards, including the Genevieve Mauck Stoufer Outstanding Young Iowa Journalists Award. As deputy sports editor, Matthew oversaw the Register’s recruiting coverage while also overseeing the outlet’s high school sports coverage. Matthew graduated from San Diego State and grew up in California, but he’s somehow a Boston Celtics fan. Long story. Matt also led coverage of Prop 21 vs. Prop 27 in the California gambling election battle for Dipendenza Media.
