Six operators secure temporary betting licences in Massachusetts

In 2018, Massachusetts officially legalized sports betting, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a federal ban on the practice. Since then, the state’s Gaming Commission has been working on creating a regulatory framework to govern sports betting in Massachusetts. As part of this process, the Commission has been issuing temporary licenses to operators that have applied for the right to offer sports betting services in the state.

Recently, six operators were granted temporary licenses by the Gaming Commission. Here is a brief overview of each of them.

1. DraftKings: DraftKings is a well-known daily fantasy sports provider that has already made a name for itself in the sports betting industry. The company has partnered with Penn National Gaming to operate a retail sportsbook at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MA. DraftKings has also been approved to launch a mobile sports betting platform in the state.
2. FanDuel: FanDuel is another popular daily fantasy sports provider that has expanded into the sports betting market. The company has partnered with Boyd Gaming to operate a retail sportsbook at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, PA. FanDuel has also been approved to launch a mobile sports betting platform in Massachusetts.
3. BetMGM: BetMGM is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings. The company has already launched sports betting platforms in several states, and it is now seeking to expand into Massachusetts. BetMGM has been approved to operate a retail sportsbook at MGM Springfield as well as a mobile sports betting platform in the state.
4. WynnBet: Wynn Resorts is best known for its high-end casino resorts in Las Vegas and Macau. However, the company is now making a foray into the sports betting market with its WynnBet brand. WynnBet has been approved to launch a mobile sports betting platform in Massachusetts.
5. Rush Street Interactive: Rush Street Interactive is the online gaming division of Rush Street Gaming, a company that operates several casinos in the United States. The company has been approved to launch a mobile sports betting platform in Massachusetts.
6. Penn Interactive Ventures: Penn Interactive Ventures is a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming. The company has already partnered with DraftKings to operate a retail sportsbook at Plainridge Park Casino, and it has also been approved to launch a mobile sports betting platform in the state.

What’s Next for Sports Betting in Massachusetts?

While these temporary licences are a step forward for sports betting in Massachusetts, there is still a lot of work to be done. The Gaming Commission is still working on finalising its regulatory framework, and there are several other operators that have applied for licences that have not yet been approved.

Additionally, there is still some uncertainty around when sports betting will actually launch in Massachusetts. While the temporary licences allow these operators to begin working on their platforms and operations, they are only valid for 90 days. The Gaming Commission has not yet announced when permanent licences will be issued, which means that the launch of sports betting in Massachusetts could still be several months away.

Overall, though, the fact that these six operators have been granted temporary licences is a positive sign for the future of sports betting in Massachusetts. It is clear that there is significant interest in the market, and it is only a matter of time before Massachusetts residents will be able to legally bet on sports.