Mobile Sports Betting Launches in Massachusetts

On January 31, 2023, three (3) retail casinos in Massachusetts started taking legal sports wagers. The three (3) retail properties included Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MGM Springfield in Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville.

At the time retail sports betting windows were opening for residents, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) promised that mobile sports betting apps would also soon be available. In February, the MGC set a possible launch date of March 10, 2023. The day came, and the mobile betting windows successfully opened.

Available Sports Betting Apps

At the time Massachusetts legislators signed legal sports betting into law, there had approved the issuing of up to eleven (11) mobile sports betting licenses. Three (3) were to be allocated to the aforementioned retail casinos, two (2) were to be allocated to the state's two race tracks, and the last (6) were to be allocated to top independent U.S. sports betting operators.

Of these eleven (11) licenses, ten (10) have been issued. Of the ten (10) approved licensed mobile sports betting operators, six (6) of them hit the March 10 launch date with another one to follow suit. Two (2) other operators (BallyBet and BetFanatics) are expected to launch sometime in May. The seven (7) mobile sports that are now open or soon opening for business include:

• BetMGM (with MGM Springfield)
  
• Barstool (with PLainridge Park Casino)
  
• WynnBET (with Encore Boston Harbor)
  
• Betr (independent)
  
• Caesars Sportsbook (independent)
  
• DraftKings (independent)
  
• Fanduel (independent)
  

It's interesting to note that Australian-based PointsBet secured the last license. However, the operator's management changed course and decided to instead focus on sports betting operations that are already in place.

It's noteworthy that the mobile sports betting windows opened in time for MA sports bettors to enjoy betting on the March Madness NCAA Men's and Women's basketball tournaments. While Massachusetts does not normally allow wagering on in-state schools, that will be waived for this tournament. March Madness wagering will begin on March 15, 2023.

MA Sports Betting Operators Will Be Under Scrutiny

Early in the sports betting game for MA, all three retail operators inadvertently violated MGC rules. Each one was guilty of accepting wagers on in-state teams. To date, no fines have yet been levied. It might be because all three casinos self-reported their issues and made fixes.

Moving forward, the MGC plans on keeping a close watch over all operators. Of particular interest will be their advertising efforts and compliance with regulations. The state's Attorney General sent a letter stating the government would be scrutinizing:

• Adherence to consumer protection advertising laws
  
• Enforcing age restrictions (21 or over)
  
• Mobile app content restrictions
  
• Support of problem gambling initiatives
  
• Spokersperson usage
  
  

All of this scrutiny is in place to ensure that gamblers get a fair shake and that the most vulnerable people in society (kids and problem gamblers) are protected. At this point, it's up to operators to play by the rules, creating a safe environment for MA residents to enjoy betting n sports.