Massachusetts Regulator Announce Mobile Sports Betting Launch Date

On January 31, 2023, retail sports betting was formally launched in the state of Massachusetts. Initial results have been mixed because of a couple of sports betting operators that took illegal bets on in-state college sports teams.

According to representatives from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), both Encore Boston Harbor in Everett and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville violated a very important rule when they accepted a limited number of sports wagers ln games that involved Massachusetts college basketball teams. To their credit, both retail operators self-reported their respective incidences that occurred over a five (5) hour period.

In spite of the hiccup, the MGC announced they might be willing to open the state for mobile sports betting on March 10, 2023. The announcement came at a Commission meeting that was held on February 9.

More About the Mobile Sports Betting Launch

While stating that a proposed mobile sports betting launch date was feasible, the MGC cautioned there are still issues that need to be resolved. Putting potential issues aside, there was a consensus among regulators and sports betting operators that launching on March 10 would be welcomed by the state's most avid sports bettors.

The concern right now is trying to get the launch underway before the start of March Madness, the NCAA's college basketball championship tournament. It's kind of a compromise given that the mobile sports betting windows weren't ready to go in time for the Super Bowl.

What the regulator is looking for is a short test period prior to the start of the tournament n March 14. That makes March 10 the best possible alternative. According to the MGC’s Karen Wells:

"The suggestion is we do it that day because it gives us the weekend if there are any issues before March Madness starts. And then there's a Monday where we could have a commission meeting, if necessary if there are any issues before the big tournament starts."

When questioned about what the MGC needs to do to hit the March 10 launch date, mention was made that the regulator is still reviewing the safeguards pre-approved mobile operators have in place. The extra caution is understandable considering the problems that arose with retail operations.

About the Pre-approved Mobile Sports Betting Operators in Massachusetts

Through legislation, the MGC was authorized to issue up to 11 mobile sports betting licenses. Five (5) of those licenses have been issued to mobile operators that have partnered with the state's three retail casino operators. That would be WynnBET and Caesars Sportsbooks with Encore, Barstool and Fanatics with Plainridge Park, and BetMGM with MGM Springfield.

In addition to the aforementioned operators, temporary licensing could be issued to the following independent and unaffiliated mobile operators: DraftKings Massachusetts, FanDuel Massachusetts, Bally Bet, Betr, PointsBet Massachusetts, and Betway.

According to Wells, a final determination regarding temporary licenses will likely be made by February 23. That would give all of these operators plenty of time to prepare for the proposed March 10 launch date.