PointsBet withdraws sports betting application for Massachusetts

Mobile sports betting operator PointsBet has dropped out of the running as Massachusetts prepares to go live with online sports betting come March 10. The betting operator informed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission it will be withdrawing its application from the list of operators seeking to go live in the state when online sports wagering finally debuts.

The MGC’s chief executive, during the commission’s meeting, announced the operator’s rather surprising decision. PointsBet applied for a Category 3 untethered license late last year. The license was one of the seven standalone licenses available under Massachusetts sports betting law. During the application process, the operator went through the hearing and secured approval for a temporary license. However, the operator said through one of its spokespersons that it is withdrawing from Massachusetts so it can focus on its offerings in other states.

“We have chosen this path to emphasize our continued focus on our 14 live states of the US (plus Ontario) and how we can best optimize those markets,” a PointsBet spokesperson told Sports Handle via email. “We would like to thank the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for their consideration of our application, conducting extensive hearings, and deeming PointsBet suitable for licensure ahead of the launch of legalized sports wagering in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

PointsBet’s withdrawal leaves two standalone licenses up for grabs, as there was one unused license before, and nine operators left. The MGC confirmed in its meeting that BallyBet, Barstool, BetMGM, Betr, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and WynnBet have been given temporary licenses to operate in the state for the next one year. However, only Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Betr, WynnBet, and Barstool Sportsbook are ready to launch out of the nine operators. Fanatics said it will not be launching by then because it is still fine-tuning its platform while BallyBet wants to perfect its user experience. They both plan on launching in May.

Meanwhile, unexpected player Betway has submitted its application to the MGC for an untethered license. While it will not be launching on March 10, the operator is well into its application process as it plans to pay the $1 million application fee.

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