BetMGM Massachusetts Granted Sports Betting License

Written By Caleb Tallman on December 22, 2022

The Massachusetts sportsbook provider approval process has been anything but streamlined. It has been plagued with delays, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has been hard on providers, scrutinizing applications. There is some good news, though, as BetMGM Sportsbook has gotten its mobile license approval and is the second mobile license to be approved in the Commonwealth.

The first sportsbook that got approval for a mobile license was WynnBET. They were approved on December 13th, a full week ago. A full week between license approvals just shows how long the MGC is taking to go over various license applications. It once again begs the question, will all of the retail and mobile sports betting launches remain on their current timeline in Massachusetts?

Details On BetMGM’s Temporary Class 3 License

To get technical, BetMGM does not actually have their full sportsbook mobile license. BetMGM does not have their temporary license yet, either. All Massachusetts providers are initially given a preliminary finding of suitability by the MGC. This allows the provider, in this case, BetMGM, to apply for a temporary license.

According to the Massachusetts press release, “Following a temporary license being granted, BetMGM must obtain an operations certificate and meet additional conditions before they can accept wagers on approved sporting events. More information on a universal launch for retail wagering, followed by online wagering, will be released as it becomes available.”

MGC License Conditions

BetMGM will now have to go through all the standard conditions, which include the $1 million licensing fee. One thing worth noting is that the MGC is requiring BetMGM also disclose all developments about two separate confidential investigations that they self-disclosed to the MGC.

Investigations were discussed in a closed portion of the meeting out of the public eye. This was the same as when BetMGM had regulatory troubles in Maryland, where they were imposed a $146,000 fine. The fine was for accepting bets in November before their license was authorized.

Also read: MGM Springfield Gets Green Light For Retail And Online Sports Betting

Massachusetts Sports Betting Launch

With retail licenses and online licenses both at two approvals, there is still a long way to go before the Massachusetts sports betting market is at its full capacity. Over 40 companies expressed interest in one of three classes of sports betting licenses.

The MGC still has many more licensing meetings in the coming days. Next Tuesday, Caesars will have their application reviewed again after the decision on their license was postponed last week.

Right now, retail betting is tentatively slated to launch in January 2023, with MA mobile betting apps following in late February or early March.