A new partnership between mobile sportsbook operator Fubo Gaming and NASCAR could prove interesting for sports betting in Arizona.
Fubo Gaming, which received a license from the Arizona Department of Gaming along with 17 other operators in August, announced a partnership with the racing circuit in a news release Thursday.
The partnership paves the way for Fubo Sportsbook to become an official authorized gaming operator for NASCAR, giving the burgeoning company more credibility before it begins competing with other Arizona sports betting apps later this year.
A Battleground for NASCAR Betting Partnerships
Fubo becomes the fifth gaming/fantasy sports partner for NASCAR, all of which are licensed to operate in the Arizona market. The racing series lists BetMGM Arizona and WynnBet Arizona as authorized gaming partners.
DraftKings Arizona provides NASCAR’s official daily fantasy sports game, while Penn National Gaming is listed as an authorized gaming operator.
In July, NASCAR and Penn Interactive announced a multiyear market access partnership in the state of Arizona, which made Penn National Interactive/Barstool Sports the official sportsbook of Phoenix Raceway.
Penn National and NASCAR first partnered in 2020. At the time, the gaming company was NASCAR’s first authorized gaming partner, while the racing circuit was Penn National’s first professional sports partnership. Barstool Sportsbook began taking mobile wagers when Arizona sports betting opened in September and is expected to open a permanent sportsbook at Phoenix International Raceway.
When will Fubo launch in Arizona?
Fubo Gaming is currently partnered with the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Arizona. The company bills itself as a next-generation mobile sportsbook, as it plans to integrate its mobile betting site with its live TV streaming platform FuboTV.
A representative from Fubo Gaming declined to comment Thursday on how the company’s NASCAR deal would impact its opening date in Arizona, saying the operator is still on track for a fourth quarter rollout in Arizona, as well as Iowa, Pennsylvania, Indiana and New Jersey.
In Fubo Gaming’s release announcing the deal with NASCAR, company Chief Operating Officer Sam Rattner described the partnership as a win-win for all involved.
“We’re eager to partner with NASCAR, a league with a rich history and passionate followers,” Rattner said in the press release. “As an Authorized Gaming Operator, we look forward to building engaging sports betting experiences for new and existing racing fans. Fubo Sportsbook is continuing to expand its marketing footprint, propelling us toward our goal of reaching sports enthusiasts across the country.”
Fubo Gaming also has partnerships with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA and New York Jets of the NFL.
What NASCAR, Fubo Get Out of Partnership
The Fubo-NASCAR deal allows the operator to gain access to in-app use of NASCAR’s tracks, series, and events, while also getting company assets promoted on the racing circuit’s digital and social platforms and events, according to the release.
NASCAR Managing Director of Sports Betting Joseph Solosky said in the release the circuit is excited to team up with Fubo Gaming to broaden its reach into the ever-growing world of sports betting.
Solosky said NASCAR’s goal is to help fans get more involved in the sport, with mobile sports wagering allowing for greater opportunities to interact with their favorite drivers and racing teams.
“Fubo Sportsbook provides us with an opportunity to further expand NASCAR’s reach through a unique sports betting experience,” Solosky said in the press release. “Whether it’s the casual viewer or die-hard race fan, Fubo Sportsbook’s innovative approach to sports wagering brings a more exciting experience for our audience as they’re able to interact with the sport in new ways.”
