• About Us / Contact
  • Responsible Gambling
This site contains commercial content
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
No Result
View All Result

FanDuel Makes Drama-Free Appearance Before Massachusetts Regulator

Would be surprising if gaming commission does not award operator initial approval next week

Jill R. Dorson by Jill R. Dorson
January 9, 2023
in Regulation
fanduel-responsible-gaming-play-well-slide
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Given how complimentary members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) were on Monday and the limited amount of followup they asked for, it appears that FanDuel sailed through a review meeting and will likely be awarded a Category 3 stand-alone digital sports betting license next week when recipients are announced.

The five-and-a-half hour meeting was among the most low-key of the license reviews to date, and the commission repeatedly complimented FanDuel executives on the quality and comprehensiveness of their application. Commissioner Brad Hill also called it “impressive” that FanDuel has an in-house tech stack, saying that the MGC has explored the pitfalls of third-party vendors in other reviews.

FanDuel is the first operator to come for review that has its technology in-house, though Fanatics, which is still under review, is building its own platform, and DraftKings now handles its own technology after acquiring SB Tech in 2019.

FanDuel is the second of five stand-alone mobile wagering applicants. The MGC announced in December that it would consider all applications in the first half of January and announce by Jan. 20 which operators it will award licenses to. Bally’s Interactive was first up last Friday, and Betr (Tuesday), DraftKings (Wednesday), Digital Gaming (Friday), and PointsBet (next Monday) are in the queue.

The MGC has already given initial approval for tethered digital platforms Barstool Sportsbook (Plainridge Park), BetMGM (MGM Springfield) Caesars Sportsbook (Encore Boston Harbor), and WynnBET (Encore Boston Harbor) to go live later this year. Fanatics, which has yet to launch its platform anywhere in the U.S., is still under review, and could get an answer later this week.

The commission is aiming to launch digital wagering in early March, ahead of March Madness, and will launch the state’s three retail locations on Jan. 31.

Commission: Application ‘met expectations’

After hearing an overview and getting a demonstration of FanDuel’s platform on Monday, commissioners asked questions and Chair Cathy Judd-Stein “took the temperature” of her colleagues on each section. To this end, commissioners unanimously felt that each section of FanDuel’s application “met expectations.”

The MGC, which has been clear about how much it values integrity and responsible gaming, had kind words for FanDuel on both, with Judd-Stein telling FanDuel executives that the MGC might steal a page from the company’s playbook with relation to in-house responsible gaming training. (FanDuel’s is called “PlayWell.”)

There were some questions along the way, including a handful about outstanding violations or pending legal action, which were handled in executive session. Presumably, when the MGC does issue approval, it will require FanDuel to keep it apprised of developments on the violations and legal issues. The commission has set similar parameters for other companies during the process.

Thank you, Massachusetts!

FanDuel is excited for the potential to bring America’s #1 Sportsbook to the Commonwealth 👏 pic.twitter.com/OfyBr2N2fe

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) August 1, 2022

The most pressing matter that arose is that FanDuel, which offers Daily Fantasy Sports in Massachusetts, is delinquent on its taxes and registration. According to the commission, both were due in August. FanDuel’s Cory Fox said his company had been in touch with the commission as it sorted out details around the registration and taxes, and promised to rectify the situation as soon as Tuesday.

Commissioners quizzed FanDuel executives about creating jobs and making a financial commitment to the Bay State. There are currently 18 Massachusetts residents who work remotely for FanDuel, but the company does not have an office there.

FanDuel President Christian Genetski left open the possibility of FanDuel opening a Massachusetts office, saying that tech companies often “follow the talent.” He then shared that the company will bring a version of its biggest event, “FanFest,” to Massachusetts should FanDuel get licensed, and predicted that it would create jobs and bring tourists to the state.

FanDuel will also make a $1 million donation somewhere in Massachusetts should it get licensed, as it has in Maryland and has plans to do in Ohio, where it went live Jan. 1.

Tackling Bernie Kosar violation

Compared to the kinds of questions some other companies have faced concerning relationships with colleges, integrity, or rules violations, FanDuel’s hearing was a walk in the park (or the Common, if you’re in Boston).

#Browns statement on Bernie Kosar: pic.twitter.com/fn4GEtLjVf

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 8, 2023

Executives easily handled questions surrounding the recent news that Bernie Kosar was fired from the Cleveland Browns’ pregame show because he violated NFL rules, which explicitly ban anyone associated with a team from wagering. Kosar made the first bet at Tipico’s sportsbook at the MLS Columbus Crew retail location. The bet was purported to be the first in Ohio, and at the time Kosar made it clear that any winnings would go to charity.

Commissioner Brad Hill asked how FanDuel would react in this situation, and Genetski and other execs explained that operators work with the professional leagues and each other to maintain a list of people who are banned from betting. Genetski called the fact that Kosar and current NFL player Calvin Ridley were flagged a “success” that shows that the system works.

ShareTweetShare
Jill R. Dorson

Jill R. Dorson

Jill has covered everything from steeplechase to the NFL and then some during a more than 30-year career in sports journalism. The highlight of her career was covering Oakland Raiders during the Charles Woodson/Jon Gruden era, including the infamous “Snow Bowl” and the Raiders’ 2003 trip to Super Bowl XXXVII. Her specialty these days is covering sports betting legislation across the country. You can reach Jill at jill@bettercollective.com

Related Posts

Shutterstock
Industry

Missouri Legislators Lament Exodus Of Bettors To Neighboring States

January 27, 2023
nbc skyline
Analysis

New York Poised For $2 Billion Sports Wagering Handle In January

January 27, 2023
Load More

Top Stories

patrick mahomes

Mahomes’ Ankle Speculation Twists Line Movement In Chiefs-Bengals Rematch

January 27, 2023
fanatics-grand-opening

Fanatics Sportsbook At FedEx Field Offers Unique Retail Option In Maryland

January 23, 2023
Shutterstock

Missouri Legislators Lament Exodus Of Bettors To Neighboring States

January 27, 2023
rob gronkowski adam vinatieri

Rob Gronkowski Goes Training Montage Route In Latest FanDuel Spot

January 17, 2023

State Sports Betting Guides

Ohio (U.S. state) flag waving against clear blue sky, close up, isolated with clipping path mask alpha channel transparency, perfect for film, news, composition

Ohio Sports Betting – Where To Play, Bonus Offers And Promo Codes

by Brian Pempus
January 25, 2023

Downtown Detroit at twilight (Shutterstock)

Michigan Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
January 27, 2023

VA captial

Virginia Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonus Offers

by Brett Smiley
January 17, 2023

nj flag

New Jersey Sports Betting — Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
October 20, 2022

pa online sportsbooks

Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonuses

by Brett Smiley
October 6, 2022

Canada Sports Betting Guides

Canada Sports Betting – Best Sportsbook Apps & Bonus Offers

British Columbia Sports Betting – Legal Update, Available Sportsbooks, and FAQ

Ontario Sports Betting – Legal Status And Where To Play

gambling therapy
ncpg
igaming ontario
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/OH/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
19+. Please play responsibly. Terms and conditions apply. 
Individuals must be 19 years of age or older to participate in igaming in Ontario. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you, or someone you know, has a gambling problem in Ontario and wants help, please visit ConnexOntario or call their helpline at 1-866-531-2600. Operators on this website operate pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario.

Search Sports Handle

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us / Contact
  • Responsible Gambling

No Result
View All Result
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
  • News

loading

Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location