Wynn Resorts’ Encore Boston Harbor has been granted the first Category 1 sports betting license by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).
Nevertheless, prior to commencing sports betting activities at its physical casino, Encore is obligated to acquire a certificate of operations and fulfill specific additional prerequisites.
Furthermore, Encore intends to provide online sports betting services in collaboration with WynnBet and Caesars Sportsbook. However, the launch of these platforms is contingent on obtaining Category 3 licenses, which have yet to be granted by the MGC.
The MGC has announced that it received a total of three applications for Category 1 licenses, five applications for Category 3 licenses attached to Category 1 licenses, and six standalone Category 3 license applications before the November 21, 2022 deadline. Additionally, an application for a Category 3 license attached to a Category 2 license (limited to horse tracks and simulcast facilities) was also submitted. However, applications for this combination will continue to be accepted at later dates.
The commission has stated that by January 2023, all three Massachusetts casinos that qualify for Category 1 licenses, including Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino, should have the capability to provide sports betting services.
Similar to Encore, Plainridge also intends to operate two online platforms, this time in collaboration with Sports Interactive and Fanatics Sportsbook. In the meantime, MGM Springfield will introduce an online sportsbook in partnership with BetMGM.
Bally Bet, Betr, Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel Group, and PointsBet are the operators who have submitted applications for standalone Category 3 online licenses.
