Raynham Park’s Caesars Sportsbook Application Review Pushed To April 12

Originally scheduled for March 28, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has decided to postpone the review of Raynham Park’s application to establish a retail Caesars Sportsbook. The new date for the review is now set for April 12.

During the open meeting of the MGC on Thursday, it was revealed that the review scheduled for March 28 had to be postponed to April 12 due to a scheduling conflict that prevented a commissioner from attending. The MGC rescheduled it for the earliest available time slot.

In January, Raynham Park made an announcement regarding its collaboration with Caesars to establish a retail Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts. The application for its retail license has been submitted almost two months ago.

During the Thursday meeting, MGC Executive Director Karen Wells informed the commissioners that the applicant is enthusiastic about starting soon.

Caesars Raynham Park contract under scrutiny

Although the review of the Caesars Raynham Park application will not commence until April 12, the contract between Raynham Park and Caesars Entertainment will still be subject to review in March.

The Investigations and Enforcement Bureau intends to closely examine the contract between Raynham Park and Caesars Entertainment, as the two entities have essentially collaborated to apply for a retail sports betting license.

If given the green light, the Caesars Sportsbook at Raynham Park has the potential to become one of the most spacious standalone sportsbooks in the United States. Spanning an impressive 30,000 square feet, this establishment would comfortably accommodate up to 2,000 individuals. Not only would it boast two bars and a restaurant, but it would also feature 800 seats and 20 sports betting kiosks.

The construction project is estimated to require a budget of $28 million and aims to be completed by June 2023. Meanwhile, once the MGC grants approval, Raynham Park will temporarily launch a Caesars Sportsbook.

Located approximately 30 miles south of Boston, Raynham Park is an authorized simulcast center for horse racing. Previously, it also held greyhound races until the state of Massachusetts prohibited the sport in 2009. Since then, the facility has solely operated as a simulcast venue.

Other retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts

The fourth retail sportsbook in Massachusetts would be the Caesars Sportsbook at Raynham Park. The existing sportsbooks are located at Encore Boston Harbor (WynnBET), Plainridge Park Casino (Barstool Sportsbook), and MGM Springfield (BetMGM).

Massachusetts’ current legislation permits simulcast centers, namely Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park, to operate retail sportsbooks and collaborate with established brands for online sportsbooks. Raynham Park has yet to grant its online license to a pre-existing sportsbook. In contrast, Suffolk Downs has not disclosed any partnerships for either retail or online platforms, but it has teamed up with DraftKings to introduce its horse betting app, DK Horse, in Massachusetts.