Sports enthusiasts in Massachusetts brace for the arrival of Fanatics Sportsbook and Betr, two gaming entities set to initiate operations in the state.
Hype in the Bay: Fanatics and Betr Take a Leap in Massachusetts Sports Betting
The Massachusetts gaming commission gave the green light to Fanatics Sportsbook and Betr this week, moving both companies one step closer to offering online wagering in the state. They already hold temporary licenses and are gearing up to launch digital platforms.
Fanatics, who've been beta-testing their in-house platform in the sports betting markets of Tennessee and Ohio, have also secured a betting license in Maryland. The company opened its first brick-and-mortar sportsbook at FedEx Field in January. The final step for Fanatics in Massachusetts is receiving their certificate of operation, potentially launching in May. However, given their actions in Ohio and Tennessee, a beta-test in Massachusetts seems more likely.
Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics, promises an experience that can rival industry giants like DraftKings and FanDuel. He believes their platform will be every bit as competitive by the end of the year. A sneak peek at Fanatics' sportsbook platform, built on Amelco code, suggests they might just make it.
Eight platforms could be up and running in Massachusetts by June. Betr, the microbetting platform owned by Jake Paul, went live online in Ohio in January but has yet to launch in Virginia. Both platforms expressed their intention to debut later this year, while Betr hasn't announced a specific date.
When Betr and Fanatics launch, Massachusetts will have eight options for sports betting, including Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBET, Bally Bet, and Betway, all of which went live on March 10.
New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Indiana are leading the sports betting market, with Massachusetts following close behind. Bets in the state totaled $568.1 million in March 2023.
Bally Bet and Betway have temporary licenses but haven't launched yet. The commission also discussed the NFL Draft wagers, which are legal in Massachusetts, and their restrictions on timing.
Moreover, the commission held hearings on the involuntary exclusion program and Wynn's proposal for a phased development across the street from its current Encore Boston Harbor location in Everett.
Enrichment Insights:- Fanatics Sportsbook launched in Massachusetts in May 2023, with strong ratings and innovative promotions such as "No Sweat Bets".- FanDuel remains the most popular platform in the state due to its user experience and same-game parlay offerings.- DraftKings is also a top competitor but has less prominent promotional offerings in current search results.- Fanatics faces regulatory hearings for a collegiate wager violation but continues to operate.- Massachusetts sports betting market is rapidly growing, with Fanatics looking to challenge industry leaders DraftKings and FanDuel.
Fanatics Sportsbook, who've already secured a betting license in Maryland and have been beta-testing their platform in sports betting markets such as Tennessee and Ohio, announced their intention to debut in Massachusetts by May 2023. Meanwhile, Betr, the microbetting platform owned by Jake Paul, is planning to launch in Massachusetts later this year.
