By
Phil
21 Dec 2022
The public meeting was attended by Plainridge Park Casino, (PPC). After which the Commissioners reviewed PPC’s application to be licensed as a sports betting operator license. PPC was unanimously approved by the Commissioners for temporary Category 1 license as a sports betting operator.
The Commissioners placed two conditions upon the Plainridge Park Casino vote. The Commissioners demanded that the licensee consent to the restriction that under 21-year-olds are not allowed into live Barstool College Football Show events. The licensee is required to cooperate fully with the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau, (IEB), who will investigate Barstool Sports, Inc. regarding the licensing agreement.
Plainridge Park Casino can request a temporary license for sports betting while the Massachusetts Gaming Commission conducts a thorough suitability assessment. After a temporary license is granted, PCP will need to obtain an operation certificate and comply with additional conditions in order to accept bets on approved sporting events.
MGC had set the goal of launching retail betting in January 2023, and online/mobile gambling in March 2023.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 23N orders the MGC that Category 1 licenses be granted to entities holding a gaming licence under MGL Chapter 23K. This license is required for any entity that wants to provide sports betting, and must also meet the MGC’s requirements. The holder of a Category 1 license for sports wagering can also offer betting through up to two independently branded mobile apps or other digital platforms that have been approved by the MGC. These platforms will need to be eligible for, and have been issued, a Category 3 license in order to offer sports betting according MGL Chapter 23N. Encore Boston Harbor was granted the Category 1 permit. The Caesars Sportsbook licence would then be tied to it.
