In a significant stride towards the introduction of sports betting in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) recently gave its nod to all six applicants seeking untethered Category 3 sports wagering operator licenses. The commission’s decision followed a series of public meetings during which applicants presented their cases and underwent scrutiny.
Background
The landscape of sports betting in Massachusetts underwent a transformative change when the State Legislature legalized sports wagering in August 2022. With plans in place, retail wagering is on track to commence at prominent establishments like Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino by January 31. The timeline for online and mobile wagering is set for a March launch.
The Regulatory Framework
The regulatory framework in Massachusetts allows the MGC to grant up to seven stand-alone Category 3 licenses. This classification empowers operators to provide sports betting services via online platforms, thereby catering to the growing demand for convenient and accessible wagering options.
Operators and Their Licenses
Five major players in the sports betting arena, namely Bally Bet, DraftKings, FanDuel, Betway, and PointsBet, secured temporary untethered Category 3 sports betting operator licenses. The unanimity of this decision speaks to their suitability and readiness to engage in the Massachusetts market.
In a separate instance, the sixth operator, Betr, joined the ranks of licensed operators following a favorable 4-1 vote by the regulatory body. This diverse group of operators signifies a competitive landscape poised to deliver a range of options for bettors.
Application Process and Interest
The journey towards granting these licenses began with a notable level of interest. In October prior to the approvals, the MGC acknowledged that a total of 29 potential applicants had expressed interest in securing sports betting licenses within the state. This fervor underscores the anticipation and economic potential associated with the emerging sports wagering industry.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s decision to grant temporary licenses to six operators for non-tethered online sports wagering marks a pivotal moment in the state’s gambling landscape. With the impending launch of both retail and online/mobile wagering, Massachusetts is poised to join the ranks of states benefiting from the revenue and excitement associated with legalized sports betting. As operators like Bally Bet, DraftKings, FanDuel, Betway, PointsBet, and Betr prepare to serve the diverse preferences of bettors, the future of sports wagering in Massachusetts looks promising and dynamic.