Fanatics Betting and Gaming has hired former Michigan legislator Brandt Iden as its new vice president of government affairs, as the business edges closer to launching its betting product.
Iden was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2014 and until 2020 when he reached the state term limit. During this time he spearheaded the efforts to legalise both sports betting and online casino gaming in the state.
He then joined Sportradar, where he was head of government affairs during a period in which the business went public on the Nasdaq exchange.
Now, he joins Fanatics ahead of the apparel brand’s long-rumored launch of a sports betting operation.
“Excited to announce that I’ve joined the Fanatics Betting & Gaming team as vice president of government affairs,” Iden said on Twitter.
The move is the latest step by Fanatics to build out its betting and gaming arm ahead of a launch. Last month, the business appointed Jason White to the role of chief marketing officer for this division of the business.
However, the company has not yet revealed what technology it intends to use to power its betting product. A representative denied reports that Fanatics had a deal in place with Amelco earlier this year, and opted not to comment on reports that the business was looking to buy German giant Tipico.
Iden is also a co-host of the iGB World Series of Politics podcast, alongside Brendan Bussman.