Time is winding down in Massachusetts, and six operators will go live in Massachusetts for the online launch. The platforms ready to launch are Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBET, but will not feature Betr.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is Ready for the Big Day
As promised, the online launch will launch just in time for March Madness in the Bay State at 10 am on Friday. On Wednesday, Betr became just the fourth sportsbook operator to be approved for a temporary license but will join Bally Bet, Betway, and Fanatics as they will be delaying their launch.
Representatives from Betr have pointed out that the company is retooling the app to launch by the following month. The micro-betting company was founded by Jake Paul and made its debut as part of a universal launch in Ohio.
In a lengthy public meeting leading up to the launch, the primary focus was how the Bay State was going to strengthen advertisements and its problem gambling campaign as the market proceeds through March Madness.
March Madness is the biggest non-single event that sees the average betting volume skyrocket for the next month. Regardless of the positive approach, there are some violations that need to be fixed and settled before things get out of hand.
FanDuel Went Against the Laws Signed Into Law
In the sports betting industry, no brand comes close to what FanDuel has accomplished as the leader of the sector. Heather Hall, the MGC’s Chief Enforcement Counsel and Assistant Director, told the Washington Post that the MGC believes FanDuel violated advertising standards with three advertisements. These ads are related to iGaming, free bets, and credit cards/prepaid cards.
According to Hall, two of the advertisements have been taken down. The commission agreed that these violations are critical and bad for the public as bettors get ready to place wagers not only on FanDuel but on other platforms.
It’s likely that the MGC will take this case further, as this will be brought up in a future meeting. FanDuel is likely to be subject to a fine in the future. MGC approved house rules for digital operators before addressing new violations of its bet menu.
More Self-Reported Issues At a Retail Location
The Investigations Enforcement Bureau informed the commissioners that Encore Boston Harbor self-reported more issues at the WynnBET Sportsbook. On the betting menu, the Boston College Women’s basketball game appeared on the system on February 12th and 19th.
Consumers are prohibited from placing wagers on in-state collegiate teams during the regular season. These schools are only exempt if they participate in major events such as March Madness.
Aside from expanding its list of excluded events and terms, Encore Boston Harbor/WynnBET Sportsbook will continue to do manual checks twice daily. The commissioners decided to hold an adjudicatory hearing at a later date because of the repeated issues with GAN.
MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park experienced similar issues in the past. The MGC has already scheduled adjudicatory hearings for Encore in regard to the first violation and Plainridge Park will also take part. The meetings are set for March 14th.
