DraftKings, BetFanatics on Their Way to Launching in Massachusetts

Include two additional companies in the upcoming roster of online sportsbooks in Massachusetts.

DraftKings and Fanatics were granted approvals by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on separate days, Wednesday and Thursday. Fanatics obtained a Category 2 online license linked to Plainridge Park Casino. The final vote on DraftKings, along with the remaining untethered Category 3 license applicants, will be held on January 18th by the MGC.

It was always certain that DraftKings Massachusetts would obtain a license. With over 1,300 employees in Massachusetts, DraftKings is deeply rooted in the local community as a sportsbook. This fact greatly appealed to the members of the MGC.

On Wednesday, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins informed the commissioners that our headquarters are still located in Boston, we continue to be led by our founders, and all three of us reside in Massachusetts. Furthermore, I would like to emphasize that we have a larger workforce in Massachusetts than in any other location.

BetFanatics Massachusetts Will Launch

The next day, Fanatics received official approval from the MGC. As a dominant player in sports clothing and apparel, Fanatics is now venturing into the sports betting sector. Upon acquiring the necessary licenses, they will introduce themselves as BetFanatics Sportsbook.

Obtaining a BetFanatics Massachusetts license was a challenging endeavor. The hearings regarding Fanatics commenced on January 4. The commissioners of the MGC expressed their apprehensions about Fanatics promoting gambling to its clothing and apparel customers, especially those who might be underage and potentially engage in betting.

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Alex Smith, the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Fanatics, informed the commissioners that customers will be provided with the choice to exclude themselves from receiving any sports betting-related advertisements.

At present, BetFanatics holds licenses in Ohio and Maryland; however, it has not commenced operations in either of these states. The online sports betting application aims to accept its initial wagers in 2023, although a specific date has not been disclosed. During the MGC hearing, Matt King, the CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, stated that they intend to make BetFanatics available in all legally permitted US markets by September 2023.

It is known that Amelco will be the provider of the online sportsbook platform for BetFanatics. Amelco has previously powered renowned national sportsbook brands such as FOX Bet, WynnBET, and PlayUP. Additionally, it was responsible for the coding of Fubo Gaming before it ceased operations.

Who Has the MGC Approved for Licenses?

Up until now, the MGC has granted retail sportsbook licenses to MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, and Plainridge Park Casino. Additionally, it has approved tethered online sportsbook licenses for Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, and most recently, BetFanatics.

Furthermore, the MGC has granted preliminary authorization for online sportsbook licenses to DraftKings, FanDuel, Bally Bet, and Betr, allowing them to operate without restrictions. Hearings for Betway and PointsBet are scheduled for January 13th and January 17th, consecutively.