Massachusetts Gaming Commission reopens sports betting license process

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has voted unanimously to reopen applications for sports betting licenses after interest from bet365.

Commission Chair Jordan Maynard said the decision comes two years after the state’s full sports betting launch and amid the rise of prediction markets nationwide—platforms the MGC does not permit.

“It’s been two years since the full launch. It makes sense that we look at these open licenses,” Maynard said, as reported by InGame. “I’m heartened that people want to come in when prediction markets, which we definitely don’t allow, want to enter for sports betting.”

Four untethered online sports betting licenses remain available, along with several tethered licenses. Commissioners debated whether reopening applications in what some described as a “saturated” market was premature, particularly before the completion of an economic impact study. Ultimately, the panel agreed that reopening the process would help gauge market interest and determine whether adding an eighth operator is viable.

Staff attorney Justin Stempeck said bet365 has expressed interest in a Category 3 untethered license. The company currently operates in 16 U.S. states, including Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Seven operators are already active in Massachusetts, namely BallyBet, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, FanDuel, and Penn Interactive. Some of these platforms are tied to land-based casinos.

Under current law, the state can issue up to 16 mobile betting licenses—six tethered to casinos, three to racetracks, and seven untethered. At present, seven licenses are in use. Additionally, four retail sportsbook licenses remain available.

Before deliberations, Commissioner Nakisha Skinner disclosed that she had previously downloaded the bet365 app and opened an account in another state where sports betting is legal. She said she has since deleted the app and is closing her account, adding that she remains capable of impartial decision-making.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Eileen O’Brien questioned whether reopening the process without first understanding the potential economic impact was appropriate. She also raised concerns about whether new applicants would invest in a retail sportsbook location.

Massachusetts law allows for a fourth in-person sportsbook beyond existing locations at Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino. “I’d like to see us learn what the impact would be before we ask people to put pen to paper,” O’Brien said.

Despite those concerns, the commission agreed to proceed with reopening the application window, with details on timing yet to be determined. Commissioners indicated that any new application process should closely mirror the rigorous public suitability review used during the state’s initial licensing period in 2022 and 2023.