A Look At Five Newcomers To The Massachusetts Sports Betting Race

On September 1, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) created a list of potential sportsbook licensees, which attracted rapid interest from sports betting companies. The list comprises 42 companies, including well-established entities in the sports betting industry as well as some newer players.

The entire group is interested in obtaining a sports betting license in Massachusetts. However, there will only be 15 licenses for mobile operators and five licenses for retail operators. In today’s discussion, we will explore five lesser-known companies from the complete list of 42, in order to gain some insight into what each company might contribute to the upcoming sports betting market in the Bay State.

BarberTime Media Network

The BarberTime Media Network (TBMN) originated from a barbershop in Boston and has evolved into a network encompassing radio, TV, print, and technology ventures. TBMN offers a diverse range of programming, including on-air and online broadcasts from barbershops and salons, the BarberTime AM morning talk radio show, and the thrilling “OBC” LIVE Online Battle Championships. This unique platform allows barbers to demonstrate their skills in live competitions against other shops.

Despite notifying the MGC of its intention to obtain a sports betting operator license, TBMN’s plans remain largely undisclosed to the public. Speculations suggest that TBMN may be inclined towards operating sports betting kiosks in barbershops and salons, which is currently prohibited by existing legislation. As per Governor Charlie Baker’s recent sports betting law, in-person sports betting is strictly limited to the state’s three commercial casinos and two simulcast facilities.

There is a possibility that Massachusetts state legislators might consider extending state law to permit kiosks at barbershops and other small retailers in the future, but it is unlikely that any action will be taken this year.

Additionally, be sure to check out: What You Can Anticipate from PointsBet Sportsbook upon its Launch in Massachusetts.

G3 Esports  

G3 Esports, a New Jersey-based iGaming firm, aims to tap into the esports betting market in Massachusetts once sports betting is legalized in the Bay State. The company describes itself as revolutionizing the Play, Watch, and Wager experience for video game players and fans.

G3 played a significant role in Conference One, which G3 describes as the pioneering varsity-level collegiate esports league in the country. The league’s first season showcased competitions involving more than 60 universities, including Penn State, Rutgers, Texas A&M, and UC Irvine. Such innovation has the potential to generate substantial revenue from legal esports in the college-rich Bay State, especially with the increasing popularity of esports viewership in the US.

PlayUp Interactive MA (Play Up) 

PlayUp, the designated mobile and retail sportsbook partner of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, has launched its mobile apps in New Jersey and Colorado. It prides itself as the “People’s Sportsbook” and promotes its commitment to offering equitable limits, competitive pricing, and unparalleled customer service within the industry.

At this moment, it remains unclear how the pricing would compare to that of BetMGM, which operates a retail establishment in Massachusetts, as well as other prominent brands anticipated to enter the Bay State market.

Additionally, check out: MGM Springfield gears up for the excitement of sports betting.

Mojo Interactive (Mojo)

According to a TechCrunch article published on March 9, Mojo is a company based in New York that is anticipated to be launched later this year. It aims to be a “sports stock market” where sports enthusiasts can exchange athlete stock and create stock portfolios. This involves trading futures derivatives based on player statistics.

The current leading investors include MLB superstar Alex Rodriguez, Tiger Global, and entrepreneur Marc Lore.

Massachusetts is currently in the process of licensing sports betting operators, but it is unclear whether the regulations set by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) would permit a stock-market twist or what those specific regulations would entail. However, with 225 regulations on the horizon, there is a chance that the state gaming regulations might provide some flexibility for Mojo’s plans.

Novibet USA

Novibet, a prominent European iGaming and online sportsbook, has announced its intention to expand its operations to the United States. In the upcoming year, Novibet plans to launch online sports betting and iGaming services in the US market. This expansion has been made possible through a 10-year agreement between Novibet and Caesars Entertainment. As part of this agreement, Novibet will be granted the opportunity to operate online sports betting and iGaming platforms in New Jersey. Additionally, Novibet will also offer iGaming services in Pennsylvania.

The fact that the company is showing interest in Massachusetts sports betting suggests that it has broader ambitions in the northeastern US and potentially even beyond that.

Novibet CEO George Athanasopoulos stated in a press release on August 8th that the expansion of their iCasino platform into new regulated markets, particularly in North America, is a crucial aspect of their growth strategy. He expressed confidence in their ability to replicate their success in these new markets by adhering to their operational principles and capitalizing on the proven popularity of their product offerings. These offerings consist of over 5,000 video slots, 220 live table games, and 180 progressive jackpot games from more than 120 online content providers. Additionally, Athanasopoulos mentioned their innovative sports betting offering, which will be launched once they obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.

The List of 42 Companies Interested in Massachusetts Sports Betting 

The following is a comprehensive list of 42 companies that have informed MGC about their intention to pursue a sports betting license once the application process begins:

• 888 US, Inc., previously known as William Hill, is a company owned by 888 Holdings.
• Caesars Sportsbook, formerly known as American Wagering, Inc.
• Bally’s Interactive, LLC
• BarberTime Media Network, Inc.
• BetFred USA Sports, LLC
• BetMGM, LLC
• Betr Holdings, Inc.
• Blue Bet USA, Inc.
• Blue Tarp redevelopment is a subsidiary of MGM.
• CG Trading, Inc. (MaximBet)
• CEAC, abbreviation for Commonwealth Equine & Agricultural Center LLC
• Draft Kings, also known as Crown MA Gaming, LLC.
• Digital Gaming Corporation USA
• FanDuel Group, Inc.
• FanLogic, LLC
• The company is FBG Enterprises OPCO, LLC, also known as Bet Fanatics.
• FSST Interactive, LLC, also known as the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota
• Fubo Gaming Inc., also known as Fubo Sportsbook.
• G3 Esports, LLC
• GAN Nevada, Inc
• Bet365, also known as Hillside [New Media Holdings US] Inc.,
• Massachusetts-based NYX Digital Gaming (USA), LLC.
• Massasoit Greyhound Association, Inc.
• Mohegan Digital, LLC
• Mojo Interactive, Inc. (Mojo)
• Novibet USA, Inc.
• PSI, also known as Penn Sports Interactive, LLC.
• Plainville Gaming and Redevelopment, LLC, also known as PPC.
• PlayStar Gaming Inc.
• PlayUp Interactive MA, LLC, known as Play Up.
• PointsBet Massachusetts, LLC, also known as PointsBet.
• PT Services (Delaware) LLC, operating as “Playtech One”
• Rush Street Interactive, commonly known as RSI MA, LLC, is an abbreviation for the company’s official name.
• Resorts World Bet, also known as RW BET MA, LLC.
• Digital LLC of Seminole Hard Rock
• SG Gaming, Inc.
• Sportradar Solutions, LLC
• SportsX, LLC
• Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, LLC
• Unibet Interactive, Inc.
• Victory Game Challenge, Inc.
• WSI US, LLC, also known as Wynn BET

What’s Next For Massachusetts Sports Betting? 

The MGC holds the responsibility of determining the final regulations and application procedure for granting sports betting licenses. This will enable any eligible company, even those that have not yet expressed their interest to the commonwealth, to apply for a license before Super Bowl 2023.

Approval of those regulations may occur before the conclusion of the current year, but an official date for their anticipated implementation remains undisclosed.