Massachusetts Retail Sportsbooks Could Launch Before Online Betting

A new bill has been passed to Gov. Charlie Baker in Massachusetts, bringing legal sports betting one step closer to becoming a reality in the state.

If everything goes according to plan, it is expected that both online and retail sports betting will be available in the state in the near future. However, it is possible that the two may not be launched simultaneously.

Considering the current gambling landscape in the Bay State and observing similar trends in the surrounding region and across the country, it is plausible that in-person betting may become available prior to the option of betting on your mobile device.

Massachusetts casinos have been preparing for sportsbooks

The Massachusetts sports betting bill deadline was extended, allowing legislators to work into August to pass it. On Monday morning, the compromise was sent to Baker’s desk in hopes of receiving his approval.

After obtaining approval, the regulations will eventually enable the establishment of five retail sports betting locations in the state.

MA’s trio of brick-and-mortar casinos will include three of these.

• MGM Springfield
• Encore Boston Harbor
• The Plainridge Park Casino, located in Plainville,

Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park, the two simulcast horse racing locations within Massachusetts, will provide a home for the remaining two.

The sports lounge adjacent to the casino floor at MGM is prepared to transform into a fully functional sportsbook.

MGM Springfield will be prepared, as stated by President Chris Kelley in response to Monday’s approval.

We are extremely excited that the state Legislature has come to a consensus on establishing a secure, regulated, and legalized sports betting atmosphere for residents of the Bay State. We eagerly anticipate Governor Baker’s approval of the bill. This emerging industry will enable Massachusetts to bring back the revenue and employment opportunities that are currently flowing to neighboring states and the illegal betting market. Furthermore, we are thrilled to offer local sports enthusiasts an engaging, top-notch sports viewing and betting experience in our sports lounge, including a VIP viewing area within TAP Sports Bar.

Although Encore Boston Harbor has not provided specific information about its sports betting plans, Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings, who has emphasized the value of having a local retail partner, mentioned that WynnBet will participate in the online sports betting industry in Massachusetts.

Sports fans in Massachusetts can now rejoice as the decision to legalize sports betting brings exciting opportunities to legally engage in wagering on sports. Moreover, the state itself stands to gain from the creation of new jobs and increased tax revenue. Moving forward, our focus is on collaborating with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to offer premium sports betting experiences to our patrons at the WynnBET Sports Bar located in Encore Boston Harbor, as well as through the WynnBET app.

Massachusetts online sports betting could take more time

The presence of existing retail gambling establishments in Massachusetts makes the implementation of retail sports betting a smoother process.

However, it is anticipated that online sports betting will face delays before becoming a reality. As of now, Massachusetts does not have any form of online gambling, which means that certain preparations need to be made by the state. Typically, it takes about a year from the passing of a law to the actual commencement of online betting activities.

Massachusetts is set to allow a maximum of 15 mobile sportsbooks to operate, creating a favorable landscape for bettors. However, this will require a thorough licensing procedure to be followed.

Each of the state’s three casinos will have the opportunity to include two online operators, while the two simulcast racing centers will each be granted one license. The remaining licenses will be exclusively allocated to seven untethered mobile operators who have no affiliation with any of the state’s physical gambling establishments.

Previous sports betting launches nationwide

It is not uncommon for in-person sports betting to be introduced before its online counterpart, even though most states eventually provide both options.

Currently, sports betting in Maryland is limited to physical establishments, with no provision for mobile betting despite its launch in December 2021.

In other states:

• In March 2020, retail sportsbooks were introduced in Illinois and Michigan. Subsequently, Illinois followed suit with an online sportsbook a few months later, while Michigan introduced their online sportsbook nearly a year later.
• Despite Indiana’s accomplishment of having the shortest time between passing a law and launching online operations, the state still approved physical retail sales before allowing online book sales.
• Retail sportsbooks were first introduced in Pennsylvania in November 2018, followed by the opening of online books in May of the following year.

Nevertheless, Ohio stands as an exemplary case of a universal launch date, with plans to initiate online, retail, and kiosk betting on January 1, 2023. Massachusetts could potentially follow suit by commencing both retail and online sportsbooks simultaneously.

MGC spokesperson: ‘Too early to tell’ on Mass. sports betting launch

According to Tom Mills, the spokesperson for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, it is currently too soon to determine the potential outlook for sports betting in the Bay State.

We are currently examining the legislation that was approved on Monday independently. For the past few years, we have been closely observing legislation that appoints the MGC as the regulator for sports wagering in Massachusetts. Our staff have been diligently conducting their research and preparations to ensure a prompt response if the proposal becomes law. The MGC will initiate discussions regarding this legislation during our upcoming public meeting, scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m.

The MGC’s upcoming public meeting will be streamed live on their YouTube channel for viewing on Thursday morning.

Continuing our tradition, Play MA will closely monitor the proceedings. Stay tuned here for the most recent news and updates on the progress of MA sports betting.