Massachusetts has become the latest state to offer retail sports betting as the three casinos begin accepting wagers this morning.
After securing legalization at the 11th hour of the legislative session last summer, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been charged with securing licenses for the operators across both retail and online offerings.
Whilst online sports betting will not launch in Massachusetts until March, retail sports betting will begin at 10am, with bets accepted on a range of pro sports and other events such as the Oscars.
Wynn Resorts’ Encore Casino will open its sportsbook using the WynnBet sportsbook brand, MGM Springfield will use its BetMGM JV brand, whilst Plainridge Park intends to open a sportsbook with PENN, using the Barstool Sportsbook brand. Caesars has also partnered with Raynham Park casino to operate its retail sportsbook.
“The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield is a phenomenal sports betting hub designed for New England’s passionate sports fans,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “Today is a monumental step for BetMGM and sets the stage for us to deliver a best-in-class sports wagering experience across Massachusetts.”
It is not just the operators that are celebrating the launch of Massachusetts retail sports betting; Sportradar has been granted a temporary sports betting license in the state to earn its 44th license across North America.
Retail sports betting will be taxed at 15% of all revenue, with online sportsbooks set for a 20% rate when it launches later this year.
Most casinos will be hosting special events this morning to mark the launch of sports betting with celebrities and lawmakers invited to come down and place wagers. Ray Bourque will be attending the MGM Springfield event.
Speaking ahead of the MGM Springfield launch, State Senator Adam Gomez added: “After all these years, we finally have sports betting in Massachusetts. I was proud to sponsor legislation last session that sought to legalize sports wagering in the Commonwealth.
“To see that newly passed law in action today in my very own city is a humbling experience. BetMGM will bolster our economy locally and statewide. It’s a momentous occasion to have some of the first wagers on sports betting take place in Springfield today.”
