Was that really public meeting No. 439 of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Wednesday? That’s what it says, and it sure feels that way!
Before we recap, do know that mobile Massachusetts sportsbooks are still on target to launch next Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m.
On March 9, certificate of operations will be awarded for all mobile providers that are ready to go. The MGC has seen positive results on all testing and internal controls for all the Massachusetts sports betting apps set to debut, and everything is still moving forward with no issues being reported.
The seven mobile providers set to launch are: Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Betr, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Massachusetts Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook and WynnBET.
Three other operators also have been approved but are set to launch at later dates: Bally Sports and Fanatics Sportsbook (both May 2023) and Betway Massachusetts (first quarter of 2024).
Other Measures Move Forward
The MGC also approved regulations Wednesday for the following (all by unanimous 5-0 votes):
- CMR 138: Uniform standards of accounting procedures and internal controls for gaming.
- CMR 238: Uniform standards of accounting procedures and internal controls for sports wagering.
- CMR 247: Uniform standards for sports wagering.
- CMR 248: Sports wagering account management.
- CMR 254: Temporary prohibition from sports wagering.
Third-Party Affiliates on Thursday Docket
During the afternoon, commissioners discussed for a little more than an hour regulations concerning third-party affiliates and vendors. More discussion with a possible vote has been pushed to Thursday at 1 p.m.
The two specific regulations:
- CMR 234: Sports Wagering Vendors: Amended Regulation (regarding third-party marketing entities, disciplinary action, and related issues).
- CMR 256: Sports wagering advertising: Discussion regarding revenue sharing and cost per acquisition agreements, related issues with a potential waiver.
There had been some concern by some of the Commissioners over a temporary waiver and allowing for a period with no “guard rails” in place, where there might be an abundance of advertising hitting the market.
MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein wants to know if a temporary waiver would help or hurt operators/TPAs (Third-Party Affiliates).
Stay tuned!
In the meantime, know that BetMassachusetts.com, in addition to covering the news of state sports wagering, is your prime source for Massachusetts sports betting promo codes.
