BetMGM launches retail sportsbook in Massachusetts

On Tuesday, January 31, BetMGM launched its retail sportsbook in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge was launched by Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Boston superstar hockey player Ray Bourque, who placed the first wager in the sportsbook.

“This has been a long time coming and brings yet another chapter of innovation to enhance the operations and development at MGM Springfield,” Mayor Sarno said.

“Thank you to the MGM Springfield team, our local State delegation, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), and everyone involved for their efforts in making this historic event possible. I would like to encourage everyone to come on down and check out this new sports betting lounge.”

The BetMGM Sportsbook in Massachusetts features 18 sports betting kiosks, a 45-foot LED viewing wall, and four betting windows.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM, Adam Greenblatt, the sports betting hub is designed to be very modern and classy. He added that BetMGM was well prepared to bring top-notch betting services to the state of Massachusetts.

“The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield is a phenomenal sports betting hub designed for New England’s passionate sports fans,” said Greenblatt.

“Today is a monumental step for BetMGM and sets the stage for us to deliver a best-in-class sports wagering experience across Massachusetts.”

READ: Massachusetts launches sports betting self-exclusion program

The President and Chief Operating Officer of the Northeast Group at MGM Resorts, Chris Kelley, commented that the company is excited to have been given the opportunity by the Massachusetts regulator to expand in its territory, which will ensure that it brings growth to the industry by garnering revenue for the state through taxation and creating job opportunities.

“We’re thrilled to add this new amenity, strengthening our commitment to being New England’s premier entertainment and gaming destination. We are incredibly grateful for the tireless work of the State delegation to bring this historic bill to the finish line, and to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) for crafting the necessary regulations,” Kelley stated.

“The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield allows us to create even more one-of-a-kind engagements for our guests while generating tax revenue and job opportunities for our community.”

Springfield Senate member Adam Gomez, who was one of the advocates for the sports betting bill, spoke on how exciting it is to see the bill come into effect in the state.

“After all these years, we finally have sports betting in Massachusetts! I was proud to sponsor legislation last session that sought to legalize sports wagering in the Commonwealth. To see that newly passed law in action today in my very own city is a humbling experience. BetMGM will bolster our economy locally and statewide. It’s a momentous occasion to have some of the first wagers on sports betting take place in Springfield today,” said Gomez.

About 15 sports betting providers submitted their applications to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for possible admittance into the newly launched industry. However, only three of them were issued retail licenses: Plainridge Park Casino (Barstool Sportsbook), Encore Boston Harbor (WynnBet Sportsbook), and MGM Springfield (BetMGM Sportsbook).

More gambling news