6 More Apps Get Final Approval for MA Online Sportsbook Licenses

On Thursday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission granted final approval to all six companies that had applied for untethered Category 3 online sports betting licenses in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts sports betting apps, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Bally Bet, Betr, PointsBet, and Betway, have received clearance to proceed with their preparations for launch. It is anticipated that the apps will be ready for launch in March, with the exception of Betway, which has stated that it will not be able to launch its platform by then.

Betr, the sportsbook in question, obtained a 4-1 approval from the MGC, with Commissioner Eileen O’Brien being the sole dissenter. Commissioner O’Brien expressed apprehension regarding the potential blending of Betr’s sportsbook and social media business, which could inadvertently expose underage individuals to sports betting advertisements.

The approval of this license marked the final stage of a process that started in early December, when the MGC started reviewing applications for retail sportsbook licenses.

A total of 14 applications have been approved by the MGC.

There are Category 1 retail licenses available.

• MGM Springfield
• Encore Boston Harbor
• Plainridge Park Casino

Anticipating the future: Optimal Welcoming Bonuses for Massachusetts Sportsbooks

Online licenses that are classified as Category 2 and are tethered.

• Caesars Sportsbook
• BetMGM
• BetFanatics
• Barstool Sportsbook
• WynnBET

As for the unrestricted Category 3 internet permits:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• Bally Bet
• Betr
• PointsBet
• Betway

On January 31, Massachusetts will commence retail sports betting at its three casinos, following a soft launch on the previous day. Subsequently, online sports betting is anticipated to be introduced by March, possibly preceding the March Madness event.

Suffolk Downs (and Raynham Park) have informed regulators that they will not be prepared to commence retail sportsbooks by January 31. Consequently, their applications are currently being put on hold.

What About BetRivers?

BetRivers may potentially apply for a Massachusetts online sports betting license in the future. Despite being a growing competitor in the sports betting sector, they were noticeably absent from the initial batch of applicants.

In early January, a representative from Rush Street Interactive, the parent company of BetRivers, declined to provide any comments regarding the Massachusetts market at the moment, according to a spokesperson.

The outcome remains uncertain, as only the passage of time will reveal. Massachusetts legislation permits a maximum of 15 licenses for online sports betting, yet only 11 have been taken up thus far.