Massachusetts Officially Rolls Out Legal Online Sports Betting
Bay State sports bettors are thriving.
Massachusetts sports bettors can now celebrate the long-awaited launch of mobile sports betting in the state. All six sportsbooks scheduled to go live on Friday were anticipated to do so at or shortly after 10 a.m. ET, marking the end of a challenging and often stressful journey to bring mobile wagering to Massachusetts residents.
After Governor Charlie Barker officially signed off on the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act in August 2022, more than 80 public hearings were held. Now, the talking is done and online sports betting in Massachusetts is finally starting.
As of Friday, DraftKings, a beloved hometown favorite, was among the sports betting sites accepting mobile sports wagers. This comes after the launch of DraftKings’ limited retail platform at three major casinos in Massachusetts – the Encore Boston Harbor casino, Plainridge Park Casino, and the MGM Springfield – on January 31.
The bonus bets must be used within 7 days of receipt. This offer is exclusively for new customers and is subject to additional terms and conditions.
The objective from the start was to introduce Massachusetts legal sports betting in time to capitalize on the two major sports betting events of the year. Retail sports betting in Massachusetts was successfully launched in time for the Super Bowl, with mobile betting options now available just days before the start of March Madness.
Underscoregs ready for takeoff
After weeks of hearings and vetting potential sportsbooks for their mobile market, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) granted 10 temporary licenses. Currently, six of these licenses are operational in the Bay State, with the remaining four expected to go live in the near future.
Starting Friday, DraftKings, BetMGM, WynnBET, FanDuel, Caesars, and Barstool Underscoreg will be accepting bets. In the coming months, Bally Bet, Betr, and Betway will join the market, with Fanatics expected to launch soon after.
All the mentioned sportsbooks have passed all necessary regulations and are prepared to compete for market dominance. This means that sports bettors in Massachusetts now have a plethora of sportsbook choices and can take advantage of numerous promotions in this rapidly growing online market.
The ramifications of MA online sports betting
The retail sports betting industry in Massachusetts has seen a strong surge, largely due to the Super Bowl. However, the launch of mobile sports betting on Friday is expected to greatly increase sportsbook handles, revenues, and tax contributions to the state.
Experts agree that the launch of a well-established mobile sports betting platform in Massachusetts could generate a handle of $5.3 billion in the first year of legalization, with potential revenue of up to $200 million in March alone. With a 15% tax rate, state tax revenues could see an annual boost of $60-$70 million.
A recent survey by BetMassachusetts.com found that 41% of residents over the age of 21 in the state are either “likely” or “very likely” to place a sports wager at a sportsbook. Of those respondents, 37% stated that they plan to bet “at least weekly.”
Starting Friday, new job opportunities will be available, sportsbooks will experience increased profits, and tax programs will see benefits. Additionally, professional sports teams like the Boston Bruins are eager to join the action, with the announcement of a partnership with FanDuel coinciding with the sportsbook’s launch in Massachusetts.
Terms and conditions apply.
Last-minute dealings
The MGC functioned perfectly until just before the launch.
The panel emphasized the importance of house rules for sportsbooks. The Commission ensured that clients could easily access information on topics such as how different bets are resolved and whether Massachusetts sports betting operators could round the cent amount they need to payout.
Today’s launch was preceded by the completion of the majority of the work, leaving only minor details to be resolved. With the legal framework established, sports bettors in Massachusetts can now download top sports betting apps and start participating in the excitement.
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