With online sports betting waiting for its window to launch in Massachusetts, the retail market in the state is dealing with several issues. On Thursday, Pointsbet withdrew its sports betting license in the Bay State. Conversely, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) found another issue.
What Sportsbook Operators Will Be Ready By Launch?
According to the state’s law, bookmakers that accept wagers in the state are prohibited from accepting wagers on in-state collegiate programs during the regular season. The ban is lifted when these schools punch a ticket to major tournaments such as March Madness.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced that seven bookmakers will be ready for the mobile launch date, which is set before the March Madness tournament commences on March 14th. Currently, nine mobile operators have been awarded temporary licenses in the state.
However, neither Bally Bet nor Fanatics will launch on time. Recently, Fanatics launched a retail location at FedEx Field but will spend extra time to refine its in-house tech stack, which is set to be built on an Amelco code. Both Fanatics and Bally Bet will potentially launch in the month of May.
Under the new state law, PointsBet applied for one of seven standalone licenses for mobile wagering late last year, and through an application hearing, the operator was approved for a temporary license. Due to the withdrawal, two licenses and two standalone licenses will be available.
Additional News on Temporary Licenses in the Bay State
PointsBet isn’t the first company to withdraw its digital license, as Bet365 was the first sportsbook to do so in January. A Pointsbet spokesperson stated that the company will focus on the states where the platform has market access, which covers 14 states and Ontario.
Earlier this week, Betr, DraftKings, and FanDuel received temporary standalone licenses with plans to launch on March 10. Other tethered mobile operators, including Barstool Sportsbook (Plainridge Park), BetMGM (MGM Springfield), Caesars Sportsbook (Encore Boston Harbor), and WynnBET (Encore Boston Harbor), are also planning to launch on March 10.
Betway is another bookmaker that will not launch on time. The company has submitted an application for a temporary standalone and will be subjected to pay a $1 million application in the foreseeable future.
Massachusetts Continues to Face Violations
Under the law, in-state college sports betting is prohibited unless it’s a major tournament. Encore Boston Harbor violated the college sports betting rules again by allowing bettors to wager on a Boston College women’s basketball game.
Furthermore, Plainridge Park and Encore Boston Harbor will be adjudicated on March 14. The MGC staff explained Thursday how two Harvard men’s basketball games on February 2nd and 3rd could be wagered on at the BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield.
Based on the sportsbook’s betting database, Harvard appeared to be located in Connecticut. Since then, the error has been corrected, so no one can bet on Harvard while located within the state’s borders. A hearing is also set for BetMGM.
