Fanatics opens its second Ohio sportsbook in partnership with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets

Fanatics Betting and Gaming, in partnership with NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, is opening today its new Ohio retail sportsbook in Columbus’ Arena District. The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus will be situated near the team's home, Nationwide Arena.

The facility will offer an array of viewing options and betting markets encompassing all major sports, including professional and college football, basketball, hockey and baseball, as well as tennis, soccer, golf, MMA, and boxing. The development and trading of sports betting markets will be done in-house at Fanatics Betting and Gaming and supported by "a number of world-class trading suppliers."

The sportsbook boasts 5,000 square feet, featuring four betting windows, 14 self-service betting kiosks, an LED video wall, and 20 TV monitors. Additionally, the facility includes a full-service restaurant, operated by Delaware North.

Fanatics' Chief Business Officer, Ari Borod, stated: "We plan to be the premier sports viewing and betting destination in the Arena District when we open our doors to the public on Friday. The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus will be a great complement to our online sportsbook experience for sports fans living and visiting Ohio."

The partnership between Fanatics and the Columbus Blue Jackets is set to emphasize responsible sports betting as a "core tenet" of the companies. The location will be staffed with personnel trained in responsible wagering and equipped to provide support services to customers as needed.

At a special preview event on Thursday, Ohio sports legends Ryan Shazier and RJ Umberger placed the ceremonial first bets at the Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus. Shazier bet $20 on the Buckeyes to win the college football national championship, while Umberger wagered $20 on the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the AFC North Division.

The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus opens its doors to the public today and will operate from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The opening comes during the first year that Ohioans can legally participate in sports gambling, with the state's market launch having taken place back in January.

The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus is located at 401 North Front Street, just outside Nationwide Arena. The main entrance is located in the alleyway immediately north of the entrances to Buca di Beppo and Starbucks. The new sportsbook was designed by architecture firm BLTa, a Perkins Eastman Studio, and built by Lehman Daman Construction Services. 

Currently, there are 18 sportsbooks open across Ohio. Fanatics now has two retail sportsbook locations open in the state, following the debut of a book in partnership with the Cleveland Guardians, situated at Progressive Field, earlier this month.