Operators line up to express interest in Massachusetts sports betting licenses
More than 40 entities including sportsbooks submit notices of intent to Bay State regulator
Forty-two sportsbook operators and gambling-related entities have submitted notices of intent indicating their interest in Massachusetts sports betting licenses.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission began an intent exercise last month to gauge the number of operators wanting to pursue licensing in the state.
The solicitation came in the guise of a nine-question form asking operators to provide basic details and the names of all mobile applications used as well as information on licenses held in other jurisdictions.
Prospective licensees were also required to provide a brief description of their respective business, as well as details of the business model they plan to employ in the state.
Among those who have indicated their interest is a Who’s Who of US sportsbook operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, PENN Entertainment, PointsBet, and Rush Street Interactive.
Emerging micro-betting operator Betr, which is backed by social media star Jake Paul, and global sports merchandiser Fanatics have submitted indicators of interest, with the latter under its BetFanatics brand.
Local entities submitting interest intent notices include Boston-based BarberTime Media Network, the Commonwealth Equine & Agricultural Center, and Plainville Gaming and Redevelopment, which operates the Plainridge racecourse.
Tribal interests are represented by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and Mohegan Digital, the offshoot of the Mohegan Tribe and one of the largest tribal casino operators in the US market.
A number of suppliers, including GAN, Playtech, and Scientific Games are also on the list.
The list in full:
The MGC has committed to a slow rollout of sports betting in the state, refuting any suggestions that it could be up and running by the new NFL season.
Massachusetts tax rate for land-based and online sportsbooks is set at 15% and 20%, respectively, with a license fee costing $5m for a five-year period.