As announced by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Director of Sports Betting Bruce Band at a meeting Thursday, Bally Bet plans to launch its platform in the state by the end of June.
“Our commitment is strong here,” Brett Calapp, Bally’s Chief Operating Officer, confirmed in the aforementioned reunion. “We’re really excited to be in the state. This is a state with such a rich sports history.”
Bally’s received an online sports betting operator license in January 2023. However, it did not launch last year, thus leading to the company renewing its $1 million license in January of 2024. Currently, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel are live in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Betr and WynnBet recently shut down their platforms.
Bally’s Twin River Casino launched online gaming in Rhode Island in March. The company told MGC last year that the launch was significant as it would prioritize Rhode Island before focusing on the Bay State.
Before going live, Bally’s has to fulfill some regulatory steps, including equipment inspections and final approval of internal controls. However, according to Band, the company has not yet shared with the MGC its specific plans. The Director of Sports Betting said he learned of the company’s intention to launch last week when he called the company seeking information about its Massachusetts plans following the go-live in Rhode Island.
Jordan Maynard, the Commission’s Interim Chair
Bally’s entrance into Massachusetts’ sports betting market has been well-received by the Commission.
“The eagerness comes out of the fact that we believe that to stamp out the illegal market and give people the protections that Massachusetts provides, it’s good to have options,” Jordan Maynard, the commission’s interim chair, said. “Having someone that we’ve started with the licensing process, a group come in and actually get going, is exciting to us.”
Furthermore, the commission approved adding betting on the UFL (the United Football League), a league resulting from the XFL-USFL merger. Fanatics Sportsbook and FanDuel requested the market be added.
Cathy Judd-Stein
Commission chair Cathy Judd-Stein led her final meeting since announcing her retirement in February. Judd-Stein was first appointed by Governor Charlie Baker on January 15, 2019.
“For me, public service has offered the rewarding opportunity to influence policy where key public and private interests intersect,” Judd-Stein said during the meeting. “My appointment to serve the MGC has been such a privilege as we’ve championed transformation policies on behalf of all Massachusetts residents, advancing a safe and sustainable gaming landscape.”