Massachusetts’ upcoming sports betting market is beginning to take shape after 12 companies notified gaming regulators of their intent to apply for online licenses. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission had asked earlier this month for parties interested in a license to notify them of their interest in applying via an online form.
As of Friday, a total of 12 companies submitted notice of intent forms to the commission ahead of an August 31 deadline. The state is making 15 online sportsbook licenses available. Opening a window to know how many applicants there could be will help the commission outline a potential launch timeline for the market.
The list of companies interested in joining the Bay State’s online sports betting space includes both B2C brands and B2B platform providers. According to the Massachusetts regulator’s website, the list of brands that have filed notices of intent is as follows:
- 888
- Bally’s Interactive
- Bet Fanatics
- Betr
- DraftKings
- GAN Nevada
- Massasoit Greyhound Association
- NYX Digital Gaming
- PlayUp
- PointsBet
- Sportradar
- WynnBET
A closer look at the list shows three B2B companies –GAN, NYX Digital Gaming, Sportradar– and a number of varied sports betting operators, from market giant DraftKings to Betr, a new micro-betting brand from influencer Jake Paul. Meanwhile, Massasoit Greyhound Association operates the Raynham Park simulcast racing center: retail-approved operators were still asked to submit emails, even though their participation in the upcoming online betting space is also expected.
BetMGM, likely to apply in partnership with MGM Springfield
A number of brands are missing from the list, including Barstool Sportsbook –PENN Entertainment’s sports betting brand; the operator manages Plainridge Park Casino– and BetMGM, which is set to apply through MGM Springfield. While Rush Street Interactive has not publicly announced a partner, the BetRivers parent said it had retail and online market access during a second-quarter call this month.
Additionally, the upcoming market could potentially draw interest from other US sports betting giants, most notably FanDuel and Caesars. The number is expected to increase as the Aug. 31 deadline for the notices approaches.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is set to next meet on Thursday, Sept. 8, potentially providing more information on the roadmap to sports betting launch. Commissioners hinted earlier this month that a universal launch date will likely be announced first for retail sports betting, which would create a level playing field for the state’s casinos. Online sports betting would then launch afterward.
Regulators held an hours-long roundtable with land-based gambling entities in the state to map out the next steps earlier this month, with operators stating that a firm launch date would help them better plan their next steps.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2022/08/26/63997-massachusetts-online-sports-betting-market-taking-shape-after-12-sportsbook-operators-confirm-interest
