Fanatics Sportsbook, Bally Bet Set For Massachusetts Launch In May

During a meeting held on Thursday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission revealed that Fanatics Sportsbook and Bally Bet are scheduled to make their debut in Massachusetts in May. Additionally, several other sports betting operators are expected to launch their services in March, as per the outlined plan.

Nine operators, including Bally’s Interactive and SBG Enterprise (trading as Fanatics), were granted temporary sports wagering licenses by the MGC. Additional temporary licenses were also given to Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, WynnBET, Barstool Sports, and Betr.

Fanatics and Bally Bet will be included in the selection of sports betting apps in the state when the market opens later this year. However, they will not launch simultaneously with their competitors.

MGC Executive Director Karen Wells reported that a total of 11 applicants sought a Category 3 Massachusetts sports betting license. However, it was revealed that only nine out of the 11 applicants have fulfilled the requirement of paying the $1 million application fee.

At the last minute, PointsBet decided to withdraw from Massachusetts, making them one of the two applicants who did not proceed. The other applicant, Betway, has opted to delay their launch until 2024 as they were acquired by another company. In the meeting, a representative clarified that Betway will not currently apply for the license, but they will still pay the $1 million application fee and enter the market in the upcoming year.

More info on Fanatics Sportsbook, Bally Bet

Fanatics Sportsbook is set to make its debut in Massachusetts, becoming the first state to offer the company’s new product category. Renowned for its sports apparel and merchandising, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin had previously announced plans to release the sportsbook app in various states during 2023. The company has already obtained licenses in Ohio and Maryland, and operates a retail sportsbook at Maryland’s FedEx Field. However, it has not yet introduced the sportsbook app in either of those states.

Bally Bet, owned by Bally’s Interactive, is accessible in six states: Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New York, and Virginia. Bally’s Interactive oversees various gaming establishments, including over a dozen casinos and resorts.