Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves launch dates for sports betting
The commission has agreed to launch in-person sports betting in January and online betting in March.
US.- The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has approved the launch of in-person sports betting in late January, with online betting to follow in early March. The vote went 4-0 vote with one abstention.
The dates mean that in-person sports wagering would begin in Massachusetts ahead of the Super Bowl and mobile sports betting in time for the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament. However, the commission has reserved the right to push back the timeline.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has revealed that 42 companies completed a Notice of Intent form showing their interest to apply for a sports betting licence in the state. Those that responded include MGM Resorts, Bally’s, 888, Caesars, Rush Street FanDuel, and DraftKings.
The applicants cover the casinos MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park Casino and Encore Boston Harbor, as well as Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park.
Sports betting became legal in Massachusetts after governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 5164 into law in August.
Massachusetts gaming revenue reaches $92m in August
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has reported that Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor generated $92m in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in August. That’s a slight 0.4 per cent drop in GGR year-on-year and a 6.7 per cent from July 2022’s total of $98.7m.
Encore reported a GGR of $58m, MGM Springfield $21.9m and Plainridge Park $11.9m. Together, Massachusetts’ three casinos generated $25.8m in tax revenue in August.
