The Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Monday voted down requests to add five different events, including slap fighting, mini golf, and skateboarding, to its sports wagering menu, and also announced that one new operator is set to debut its mobile platform May 15.
The commission unanimously turned down requests from U.S. Integrity to add Power Slap, SlapFIGHT, and Street League Skateboarding. Requests to add US Pro Mini Golf and Nitro Rallycross were backed by Commissioner Jordan Maynard, and a request to add jai alai was discussed but tabled. Maynard did vote against the slap fighting events, referring to them as “disturbing,” and Commissioner Eileen O’Brien said it was “appalling” to consider the events in an age where new research continues to reveal information about head injuries in sports.
O’Brien also said she voted against all of the potential additions in part because she was uncomfortable with the request to add them coming from a wagering supplier rather than sportsbooks.
The MGC previously voted not to include jai alai on its bet menu. The sport is more often found as a parimutuel rather than fixed-odds sports betting option.