As sticking to the bet menu continues to be a challenge, six digital operators will launch wagering platforms in Massachusetts Friday, making it the 24th state to offer mobile sports betting and the second in 2023 to go live online. Retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts opened for betting on Jan. 31.
The highly anticipated digital launch comes in the middle of a host of NCAA basketball conference championships and two days before Selection Sunday, during which the March Madness field will be unveiled. While it appears highly unlikely that any Massachusetts men’s basketball teams will make the field, the event is among the biggest of the year in Las Vegas and for sportsbooks across the country.
Ten temporary licenses have been issued, but only six companies on Thursday got their operational permits to go live Friday. Barstool Sportsbook (Plainridge Park), BetMGM (MGM Springfield), Caesars Sportsbook (Encore Boston Harbor), DraftKings (standalone), FanDuel (standalone), and WynnBET (Encore Boston Harbor) are all offering new-customer specials in Massachusetts, both ahead of and at launch.
Digital sports betting platforms can begin taking wagers at 10 a.m. local time Friday.