It took a bit of time, but Fanatics finally got a key approval in Massachusetts that could see the merchandise seller offering online sports betting sites in the state this spring.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) resumed reviewing Fanatics’ application for a license to run a mobile sportsbook in the commonwealth this week.
While the review began last week, it got bogged down amid concerns about the company’s plans to cross-sell merchandise customers on its new sportsbook.
What's the plan?
BetFanatics managed to put those concerns at ease enough on Thursday to the extent that members of the MGC found the operator had met the necessary criteria and was preliminarily suitable for a license for mobile sports betting in Massachusetts.
The approvals mean Fanatics can apply for a temporary wagering license that would allow it to take bets when mobile wagering goes live in Massachusetts in March.
However, getting to that point required multiple MGC meetings spread over two weeks. And, while Fanatics did get the approvals it needs, the commissioners voted to attach an additional condition, which is that the company requires a responsible-gaming plan approved by its board of directors.
“Everyone else came in and stated as part of their applications and presentations that they had an official RG plan or policy,” Commissioner Eileen O’Brien said on Thursday. “That is completely absent with this applicant.”
Womp womp. @Fanatics wants to demonstrate the technology behind its not-yet-launched sportsbook for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission... but in a closed-door session. pic.twitter.com/icRUAXc94e
— Geoff Zochodne (@GeoffZochodne) January 4, 2023
That will, however, have to be figured out before Fanatics can launch in Massachusetts. The MGC heard on Thursday that such a company-wide plan would be approved by a Fanatics compliance committee rather than the board at large, but the suggestion was one would be approved.
Fanatics has yet to start taking wagers anywhere but has obtained sports-betting licenses in Maryland and Ohio and says it has five other applications pending. The company gave a preview of its wagering platform last week but it was in a session closed to the public.
Still, Thursday’s approvals put another sportsbook operator on deck to launch in Massachusetts when mobile wagering begins, which the MGC hopes will be in early March. As many as 15 online sports betting sites could be taking action in the state under its current law and structure, in addition to retail wagering scheduled to start on January 31 at up to three casinos.
Fanatics is seeking one of the eight “tethered” licenses for online sports betting in Massachusetts, which would be connected to Plainridge Park Casino. Seven “untethered” licenses are available as well, which are not tied to brick-and-mortar gaming facilities.
The MGC has advanced applications or approved mobile sports betting licenses for companies connected to Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Betr, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and WynnBET.
