Massachusetts Gaming Commission Reconsiders Sportsbook Licenses Due to bet365 Request

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has voted unanimously to reopen the application process for sports wagering licenses, which could allow new operators to enter the state’s growing market.

This decision comes after bet365 submitted an official request to be considered for a “Category 3” untethered license, a permit that would enable the operator to offer statewide online betting. In its letter to state regulators, the UK-based company confirmed it wants to claim one of the remaining available permits.

Massachusetts currently is home to three untethered online sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bally Bet, with four more untethered licenses still left unissued. Other operators, including BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and PENN Interactive’s theScore Bet, run tethered platforms that are linked to local Massachusetts casinos.

Justin Stempeck, MGC Deputy General Counsel, said:

bet365 has held conversations with commission staff for quite some time about the correct process for submitting a request to the commission to reopen this specific application round. We advised them to send a formal letter, which they did.

Commissioners approved the decision with a 5–0 unanimous vote, agreeing to publish a Notice of Intent to gauge interest from potential new operators.

Commissioner Brad Hill commented:

Any party that wants to apply is welcome to come forward. We will then follow our formal process to determine if new entries are a suitable fit for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Commissioner Nakisha Skinner said:

We may only see bet365 apply, but we could also have other interested parties come out of the woodwork. So I’m fully fine with opening up the application process.

She noted that bet365 may not end up being the only party interested in a new license.

Commission chair Jordan Maynard added that the timing matches the current development of the state’s market, as March marked two full years since online sports betting first launched in Massachusetts.

However, Eileen O’Brien urged caution, warning that reopening the process before evaluating its full economic impact could be “putting the cart before the horse.” She suggested completing additional analysis before awarding any new licenses.

Stempeck clarified that the current vote only reopens the application process, and more details on timelines and next steps will be shared at a later date.

If bet365 secures the license, the operator will further expand its footprint in the United States, adding Massachusetts to the growing list of states where it offers sports betting services.