Fanatics has launched its prediction market platform, Fanatics Markets, in Georgia and South Carolina. The platform allows residents to trade contracts based on sports, politics, entertainment, and other cultural events, even though sports betting and gambling remain illegal in both states.
Unlike traditional betting, Fanatics Markets works through contracts. Users purchase contracts that pay out only if their predictions come true. This approach is designed to let fans engage with events while offering a chance to earn profits for correct forecasts.
Jay Trikha, owner of Savannah Taphouse on Broughton Street, said fantasy teams are already very popular among his patrons. He expects interest to grow now that Fanatics Markets is available in the region.
“Fantasy teams are definitely huge,” Trikha said. “We host other events, like watch parties for TV shows, and I have noticed a lot of people are on apps like Kalshi betting on the results. I think that might increase with another option, and Fanatics, being the brand that it is, might push this trend even more.”
Fanatics Markets positions itself as a user-friendly platform built through a strategic partnership with Crypto.com. Users can trade contracts on football games, award shows, political events, and more. The company says the platform offers fans a new way to interact with sports and culture while earning rewards for accurate predictions.
“At the end of the day, if you’re having fun and you’re doing it responsibly, I’m all for it,” Trikha added.
The launch comes amid growing interest in alternative ways to engage with sports and entertainment. Fans in Georgia and South Carolina can now make predictions on their favorite teams, shows, or political events without violating existing gambling laws.
While Fanatics Markets is a legal option, traditional sports betting is still prohibited in both states. The platform relies on the structure of prediction contracts rather than wagers on game outcomes, which helps it operate within legal boundaries.
Prediction markets like Fanatics’ have grown in popularity across the U.S. in recent years. Platforms allow users to place predictions on events ranging from major sports competitions to cultural and political milestones. Analysts say these markets attract a mix of casual fans and more serious traders looking to profit from their knowledge.
Trikha said he has observed an increasing trend among customers using prediction apps beyond sports. “I see people using these apps for TV shows and other events, not just football,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how this platform performs with a recognizable brand like Fanatics behind it.”
Fanatics Markets emphasizes responsible use, noting that the platform is designed for entertainment and engagement rather than as a traditional gambling option. The company hopes that by providing clear rules and user-friendly tools, fans will enjoy a new way to connect with their favorite events while having fun.
The launch in Georgia and South Carolina follows Fanatics’ broader strategy to expand its presence in the U.S. prediction market space. The company continues to grow its platform with partnerships and marketing initiatives aimed at increasing adoption among fans of sports, politics, and entertainment.
For now, residents of both states can explore Fanatics Markets as a legal way to engage with events and test their predictions, all while enjoying a unique interactive experience.
