Just over six months after the Massachusetts General Court brokered a deal to legalize sports betting, the state’s gaming commission began its launch of mobile betting beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, with six digital operators prepared to start taking bets.
Barstool Sportsbook,'BetMGM,'Caesars Sportsbook,'DraftKings,'FanDuel, and'WynnBET'had plans to go live on launch day.
This week, BetMGM and FanDuel have announced partnerships with local sports teams – MGM announced a deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, and FanDuel announced a partnership Friday with the Boston Bruins . Those deals are likely just the first of a wave that will roll through the state as operators try to find a way to reach potential customers within the stringent advertising and responsible gambling framework the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has laid out.
The state regulator can license up to 15 digital platforms – seven via standalone licenses, six tethered to existing casinos (each casino can partner with two platforms), and two tethered to horse racetracks. So far, the commission has issued 10 temporary licenses, though four licensees – Bally Bet, Betr, Betway, and Fanatics – won’t go live Friday.