A Massachusetts Gaming Commission meeting Thursday was relatively calm compared to its recent discussions of sports betting. No bombshell information was revealed, and commissioners seemed to be in agreement on most topics.
While the commission had expected to discuss comments from the public concerning sports wagering license applications, it has yet to receive any public comments.
“We are aware that at least one entity is going to send something, so we’ll stand by until we receive those comments,” MGC Executive Director Karen Wells said.
Gaming Laboratories International contract
Wells announced that the MGC has signed a contract with Gaming Laboratories International, a well-known company that offers testing, certification, and other professional services across the gaming industry.
“That is going to be huge for our implementation timeline,” Wells said. “They are a uniquely qualified company for assistance in sports wagering implementation.”
The MGC expects GLI to help with everything from drafting technical standards to internal controls to responsible gaming initiatives. Wells seemed enthused about adding expertise as Massachusetts looks to implement sports wagering.
Based on last week’s discussions, retail wagering operations in the state are projected to begin in late January, and mobile sportsbooks may launch in early March.
Massachusetts: After a marathon meeting on Thursday and protracted one today, the MGC voted to launch retail sports betting in "late January" and online sports wagering in "early March."
— Sports Handle (@sports_handle) October 7, 2022
Other notes, and what’s next?
All sports betting license applicants are required to complete a scoping survey by 5 p.m. Monday. The survey will provide information on ownership, company structure, investors, etc.
Elsewhere in the state, some bars and restaurant owners are waiting for the commission to look into the possibility of allowing sports betting kiosks at their businesses. It’s expected a study on that topic will be completed by the end of 2022.
“Everybody asks if we are getting gaming kiosks,” Bill Stetson, owner of a Massachusetts bar, told Western Mass News. “Sometimes, the customers are under the false impression that the gaming kiosks were coming to bars and restaurants, so I have to explain to them, not yet, we’re still waiting for the study that the state is obligated to do, and I really want to see the results of that.”
The MGC is scheduled to meet again next Thursday to discuss the next steps with legal sports betting in the state.
