Massachusetts issues online sports betting license to Fanatics

On January 12, 2023, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) issued a Category 3 sports wagering operator license to the Florida-based sports apparel distributor Fanatics Betting and Gaming

The state of Massachusetts expects category 1 licensees to begin offering retail sports betting on January 31, while online and mobile betting are expected to commence from March this year.

Fanatics’ request for a category 3 sports wagering operator license, which will be coupled to Plainridge Park Casino’s category 1 sports wagering license, was unanimously approved by the commissioners.

In this regard, one of the MGC commissioners said: “Fanatics is seeking one of the eight tethered licenses for online sports betting in Massachusetts, which would be connected to Plainridge Park Casino. Seven untethered licenses are available as well, which are not tied to brick-and-mortar gaming facilities.”

Recipients of Category 1 sports betting licenses may provide sports betting services through up to two independently designated mobile apps and other sorts of digital platforms that receive the authority’s approval.

Hence, Fanatics stated earlier this month that it would be using Amelco’s software to run its sports betting offering.

The MGC’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau will be required to conduct a thorough eligibility examination of Fanatics. After that, in order to start taking bets on sports, Fanatics will also need to obtain an operating certificate and satisfy further requirements.

Another requirement that is expected for Fanatics to fulfill before it begins operations is to submit a responsible gaming scheme that will be unanimously accepted by MGC’s board of directors.

“Everyone else came in and stated as part of their applications and presentations that they had an official RG plan or policy,” said Commissioner Eileen O’Brien.

In venturing into online sports betting, the Massachusetts gaming regulator chose Bruce Band to head its brand-new sports betting sector.

Since 2014, Band, who has roughly 40 years of experience in the gaming sector, has held the positions of chief of the Gaming Agents Division and assistant director of the MGC investigations and enforcement bureau. He has also had a number of positions with the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

According to MGC’s Chair, Judd Stein, Band has been a crucial part of the regulator’s team, having served for about a decade; hence, it is likely that he is the person to execute such a tasking role. He further stated that Band has been directly involved in the implementation of sports betting, so he would not fail in his new responsibility.

“Bruce has been an essential member of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission team for nearly a decade, and on behalf of my fellow commissioners, I am thrilled he will be taking on this new role leading our sports wagering division,” Judd-Stein said.

“Because Bruce has been working closely on the implementation of sports wagering already, he won’t miss a beat as he begins his new responsibilities and prioritizes the integrity of sports wagering and the safety of patrons here in the Commonwealth.”

Furthermore, the gaming commission revealed that it has either approved mobile sports betting licenses or is in the process of granting them to businesses affiliated with Fanatics, Barstool Sportsbook, Betr, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, Fanatics, WynnBET, Bally Bet, BetMGM, and FanDuel.
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