Massachusetts gaming regulator confirmed that it had issued licenses for the operation of sports betting platforms from Caesars Sportsbook and Plainridge Park Casino. 

Plainridge Park Casino was only granted a temporary license due to suspicions surrounding its ties to Dave Portnoy. Massachusetts Issues Caesars Sportsbook and Plainridge Park Casino License.

Caesars Sportsbook was issued a license without a hitch, but the Massachusetts Gaming Commission remained concerned about Plainridge Park Casino’s operation under the Barstool name.

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Plainridge Park Casino Will Help with the Investigation

Plainridge Park Casino’s selection of PENN Entertainment as its sportsbook partner in Massachusetts prompted concerns from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission at their December 6 license hearing. 

The Commission could not conclude at the time and requested additional information and inquiry.

Attempting to Manage and Combat Gaming Damages

The Commission considered PENN Entertainment’s recent acquisition of Barstool Sports, whose spokesperson and creator, Dave Portnoy is extremely well-liked by younger audiences. 

The Commission has expressed concern that the appeal of Portnoy will hinder the state’s attempts to manage and combat gaming damage.

The Boston Herald reported that during its second hearing on Tuesday, the Commission granted Plainridge Park Casino a temporary license on the condition that it cooperates with the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau to determine whether Portnoy’s presence could have a negative impact by attracting underage audiences. 

Plainridge must additionally ensure that no one under the age of 21 has access to any of the Barstool College Football Shows. 

The Commission’s judgment was swayed in the correct direction by PENN Entertainment CEO Jay Snowden, who emphasized on the fact that the company has operated other Barstool-branded sportsbooks in many U.S. states without encountering the aforementioned problems.

Caesars Sportsbook Must Delay the Introduction of Mobile Betting in Massachusetts

Caesars Sportsbook was another sportsbook awarded a license by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, according to Massachusetts Live. The Encore Boston Harbor casino will provide mobile wagering through Caesars Sportsbook and WynnBET. Three land-based casinos, including Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, and MGM Springfield, have secured licenses thus far.

Providing Residents with Retail Sports Betting to the Market

The brick-and-mortar casinos in Massachusetts will be permitted to provide retail sports betting at their locations as well as mobile sports betting via two distinct smartphone applications. However, the real debut of the mobile sports betting market in the state is still three months away, slated for March 2023, but residents may have to wait even longer as unforeseen situations and delays are always a possibility.

On the other hand, in-person sports betting will be available by the end of January 2023. This week, three casinos — Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, and MGM Springfield – received their licenses, bringing the licensing process to a close.

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