More than five months after it was first announced, a planned brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Raynham Park might get to open soon.
Massachusetts Gaming Commission Executive Director Karen Wells told the commissioners during their meeting Thursday that they would visit the site for the proposed Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts next week.
Wells added that RSM and Gaming Laboratories International also will be involved in the application review.
“I think we’re good to at least start that review on (June) the 12th,” Wells added.
Raynham Park owners are constructing a 60,000-square-foot addition for sports betting in Massachusetts.
The sportsbook and entertainment facility are near the former dog track, 30 miles south of Boston. According to its website, half of that space would be devoted to the Caesars Sportsbook, which would make it one of the largest brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the country.
Owner Hopes Caesars Makes Former Track a Massachusetts Attraction
After a nearly 70-year run as a greyhound track, Raynham Park stopped racing in 2009 and has since served as a simulcasting center for racing.
Because of its connections to racing, Raynham Park qualifies for a Category 2 license under the Massachusetts sports betting law. Category 2 licensees can host a retail sportsbook and partner with a Massachusetts betting app provider. However, Caesars already has an online presence in the state through its Category 3 license.
Caesars and Raynham Park first announced their intentions in late January, with both sides touting what the other provides to the development project.
“Raynham Park is in an excellent location in southeast Massachusetts and will be one of just a few retail sports betting locations in the Commonwealth,” Caesars Digital President Eric Hession said in the January release. “It’s great to partner with the Carney family, which has a long history in the community and an exciting vision for a tremendous sports entertainment and pari-mutuel simulcasting facility.”
Raynham Park owner Chris Carney said at the time Caesars would bring “the strongest retail sports gaming brand” to the partnership.
“Our sportsbook will be one of the largest sports gaming destinations not only in Massachusetts but in the United States,” Carney said. “With Caesars’ legendary commitment to quality and integrity, Raynham Park will be a world-class venue that will set a new standard for gaming in Massachusetts.”
Online Sports Betting Is King in Massachusetts
While some buzz likely will be created when Caesars opens at Raynham Park, it won’t pull many people away from wagering online in the Bay State.
According to the MGC data from April,sports bettors wagered $579.3 million in April. Only $13 million, or 2.2%, was bet in person at the three existing retail locations: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park.
BetMassachusetts.com will stay on top of revenue news in the state as well as provide the best Massachusetts sportsbook promo codes.
