Mass. Sportsbooks See Application Focuses and Requirements

• The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will favor applicants who operate sportsbooks in the US.
• Expect many names to apply for a Massachusetts sports betting license.
• Many first-year licensees could lose their license upon starting Year 2.

BOSTON – Many thought Thursday’s Mass. Gaming Commission meeting would discuss a launch date.

This was the goal as Cathy Judd-Stein at Wednesday’s open forum hinted toward it. But, the commission met without voting in the morning. They did come back in the afternoon to do so. The timeline is now early 2023 – before the Super Bowl for retail shops. Online sportsbooks would be just behind.

Still, voting on a launch date was a strong stance for some early. Bradford Hill suggested to take lunch and vote later and Eileen O’Brien agreed. But, Nakisha Skinner made her troubles clear.

It seems we are “driven by a timeline”. Still, Cathy Judd-Stein quadrupled down in her response stating “there is no predetermined timeline.”

While US sportsbooks claimed a sole launch date is best, some considered a rolling launch. The commission instead detailed taxing regulations, application focuses, and emergency rules.

There was an expectation of Massachusetts sportsbooks going live by the end of the year. Mobile sportsbooks would go live by the end of the NFL playoffs.

Who Receives A Massachusetts Online Sportsbook License?

The casinos in Massachusetts lock themselves into sportsbooks. This includes two online operators as the racetracks only receive one.

• MGM Springfield – BetMGM
• Encore Boston Harbor – WynnBet
• Plainridge Park – Barstool
• Suffolk Downs – one operator only
• Raynham Park – one operator only

Big names are likely to hit the applicant pool for Massachusetts sportsbook apps.

Expect FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars to be only a few names. Also, these fit the determinates set by the commission on judging applicants.

Like most states, a responsible gambling program is a requirement to the MGC. The commission will also gear toward operators who can bring jobs to the area. This means financially-sound with a US mobile sports betting app existing.

Similar to Maryland, Massachusetts will also put a focus on diversity and inclusion.

But, keep in mind that temporary licenses have one year to become permanent. Otherwise, they lose their licensing altogether. So a first-year Massachusetts sportsbook could cease to exist come its anniversary.

Still, the commission may approve applicants or ask for in person interviews. It seems evident the commission will facilitate many Massachusetts sports betting options.

News tags: BetMGM | Bradford Hill | Caesars | Cathy Judd-Stein | DraftKings | Eileen O'Brien | FanDuel | Maryland | Massachusetts | Massachusetts Gaming Commission | Nakisha Skinner