Sports betting companies show interest in Massachusetts licensing

As sports bettors are anxious to see the new gambling industry start in Massachusetts, service operators are showing their interest. The state’s Gaming Commission reported on its website recently that 11 companies have issued “Notices of Intent” to obtain licensing to offer sports betting services in the state.

Preliminary Documents Filed

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has confirmed that preliminary documents have been sent in by almost a dozen companies as the legalized industry prepares to get underway. Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation in early August to allow sports betting in Massachusetts.

The Commission has now been busy reviewing regulations and creating the proper framework for the industry to license sportsbooks. So far, the following companies are in the mix:

• 888 US, Inc.
• Bally’s Interactive, LLC
• Betr Holdings, Inc.
• Crown Gaming, LLC
• FBG Enterprises OPCO, LLC
• GAN Nevada, Inc
• Massasoit Greyhound Association, Inc.
• NYX Digital Gaming (USA), LLC
• PlayUp Interactive MA, LLC
• PointsBet Massachusetts, LLC
• Sportrader Solutions, LLC
• WynnBET

This list includes many top operators, such as PointsBet, DraftKings, and WynnBET. It was expected that the notices would be filed as there was a deadline at the end of August. Sportsbooks can still apply for licensing later, as the Commission is still working on the application time frame and vetting process for licensing.

The goal of the notices of intent was to see how much interest would be garnered for the new industry. There are only seven stand-alone mobile licenses on offer in the state, and there is expected to be a bidding process that will be highly competitive to see who is chosen for licensing.

No Shows with “Notice of Intent” Filings

It is important to note that several major sports betting companies in Massachusetts were not among those who produced the “Notices of Intent” to the Gaming Commission. This includes FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, Barstool, and BetRivers.

This does not mean that these companies will not be in the running, it is just important to see who filed the notices and who did not. It was surprising to see that FanDuel was not in the mix. The company is considered one of the top mobile sports betting providers in the country. In many states, FanDuel holds the market share when it comes to online wagering.

It will also be long before sports betting launches in the state. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission plans on taking its time with licensing and the regulation process.