Massachusetts regulator awards first sports betting licence to Encore Boston Harbour
Encore Boston Harbour has become the first facility in Massachusetts to be awarded a sports betting operator licence.
US.- Encore Boston Harbour has become the first facility in Massachusetts to receive a sports betting operator licence after certification was confirmed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). In-person sports betting will launch in Massachusetts in January 2023, to be followed by online betting in early March.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously to approve the licence. Encore Boston Harbor intends to operate two online platforms, WynnBet and Caesars Sportsbook. In-person sports wagering will 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.
Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino each submitted applications for a Category 1 operator licence. Each licensee will be able to operate in-person betting as well as on up to two online platforms.
A total of 15 sports betting operator applications were submitted to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) by November 21 deadline. Each applicant has submitted a $200,000 application fee.
Massachusetts gaming revenue climbs to $97m in October
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported that Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor generated $97m in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in October. That’s a 1 per cent increase year-on-year and a 3 per cent increase from September 2022’s total of $94m.
Encore reported GGR of $62m, MGM Springfield $22.8m and Plainridge Park $12.3m. Together, Massachusetts’ three casinos generated $27.2m in tax revenue in October. Encore Boston Harbor contributed $15.5m, MGM Springfield $5.7m and Plainridge $6m.
