Massachusetts to Reopen Applications for Sports Betting Licenses

On Thursday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) approved, by a 5–0 vote, to reopen the application process for companies seeking sports wagering licenses in the state.

MGC Votes to Reopen Applications

The move was triggered by bet365’s request to apply for a statewide mobile betting license, highlighting renewed interest despite ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding prediction markets. The UK-based company is seeking a “Category 3” sports wagering license – in other words, authorization to offer online sports betting across Massachusetts.

Bet365’s request came not long after Massachusetts lawmakers chose to pause talks on a bill that would legalize online casinos.

The willingness of a company to submit to state-level regulation and taxation amid disruption tied to prediction markets resonated with Jordan Maynard, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. He said during Thursday’s meeting that it was encouraging to see continued interest in entering the legal market in Massachusetts, adding that he respects that commitment.

Interestingly, this is bet365’s second attempt to acquire a license in Massachusetts since the state allowed online sports betting back in 2023. However, bet365 ultimately abandoned its plans to enter Massachusetts through a partnership with Raynham Park, a simulcast wagering facility south of Boston. Since then, the company has launched in several additional states and now operates in 16.

When Could Applications Start?

MGC staff recommended assessing a timeline for accepting additional applications at a future public meeting, followed by the release of a “Notice of Intent” to gauge potential interest from applicants. A memo to commissioners noted that if the number of applications for Category 3 mobile-only licenses exceeds the available slots, the MGC would need to establish a competitive evaluation process. It added that no such process currently exists in regulation or statute and was not necessary during the initial round, when there were fewer applicants than licenses.

However, some concerns were raised before voting began. For example, commissioner Eileen O’Brien questioned whether it made sense to reopen the process without first understanding the potential economic impact on the state. O’Brien also raised doubts about whether bet365 or other prospective applicants would be interested in developing a new retail sportsbook.

Ultimately, the commission determined that the appropriate course of action was to open an application window and evaluate the potential impact as part of that process. However, no timeline for said application window has been announced yet.

In other news regarding sportsbooks in the state, recently the MGC imposed fines on five major operators due to reported compliance failures, including prohibited wager types.