Fanatics Betting and Gaming made a bit of history this week when it opened the first retail sportsbook located in an NFL Stadium. The Fanatics Sportsbook at FedExField in Maryland, home of the Washington Commanders, is also the latest example of how the NFL’s embrace of regulated sports betting flies in the face of decades of activism by the league to prevent regulated sports betting.
The new sportsbook is a massive affair measuring 5,000 square feet, eight betting windows, 21 self-service betting kiosks, and dozens of TV screens. Located right next to the official Washington Commanders Team Store, which is also operated by Fanatics, fans will have plenty of opportunities to hand over piles of cash to the Commanders organization in one, central location.
Commanders 2022 Fan of the Year Chris Bryant placed the first wager at the new facility, a two-leg moneyline parlay on the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals.
Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer, Fanatics Betting and Gaming spoke enthusiastically about the new setup in a press release saying, “We are excited to bring the Fanatics Sportsbook to Maryland at FedExField. Our first retail location, with adjacency to the Commanders Team store, is a physical representation of what Fanatics will deliver to sports fans all over North America.”
Washington Commanders Team President Jason Wright savored his history-making moment in his own comments adding, “When our journey began over two years ago, we knew we had to reinvigorate the guest experience at FedExField and open the campus to the community. Today is a special moment in realizing that vision as we open this innovative sportsbook, operating seven days a week for sports fans throughout our community.”
Though fans will be able to access the Fanatics Sportsbook seven days a week, they won’t be able to wager on Commanders’ home games due to local regulations.