Massachusetts Gaming Commission reopens sports betting licensing process
The decision was driven by a request from Bet365.
US.- The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has voted unanimously to reopen the sports wagering licensing process. The decision was driven by a request from Bet365, which wants to apply for a Category 3 Sports Wagering Licence.
Companies interested in applying for a licence are required to submit a Notice of Intent to the Commission by May 15. The notice can be found on the MGC’s website.
There are three categories of sports wagering licences. Category 1 licences for retail sports wagering at a casino, category 2 licences for retail sports wagering at a racing facility, and category 3 for online sports wagering. Category 3 licenses can either be related to a category 1 or 2 licensee or independent.
When sports wagering launched in the Commonwealth, 16 companies applied for licences. Three eventually withdrew, one application was deemed incomplete, and two licensees ceased operations after receiving their licences.
In March, Plainridge Park Casino (PPC), MGM Springfield (MGM), and Encore Boston Harbor (EBH) generated $107.8m in gross gaming revenue (GGR), up 2.6 per cent year-over-year. The seven online sports wagering licensees and the three in-person licensees generated $65.4m in taxable sports wagering revenue (TSWR). The sports betting handle was $699m, with $690.7m bet online and $8.3m at casinos.
The MGC recently announced the launch of PlayWell, a new responsible gaming and player health programme to replace its GameSense initiative.
