MGM Springfield avoided potential trouble despite a late submission of its Category 1 MA sports betting license application.
The MA Gaming Commission voted at Tuesday’s meeting to accept the late submission from MGM Springfield.
There is no competitive process for Category 1 (retail casino) licenses. Retail Massachusetts sports betting is expected to go live in the state in late January prior to Super Bowl betting.
Why was MGM MA sports betting app late?
An MGM official accepted blame for the “mixup,” saying he “inadequately communicated” the application submission timeline to the corporate team.
All MA sports betting license applications were supposed to be submitted by 2 p.m. on Nov. 21 MGM Springfield sent its $200,000 application fee that day, but did not submit its application until Nov. 23.
MGM was also dealing with its online submission for BetMGM. Each retail casino received two online skins, though MGM elected not to bring an additional online brand into the mix under the license.
What’s next for MA sports betting
MGC chair Cathy Judd-Stein said the commission was under no obligation to accept the late submission. Yet they elected to do so by a 5-0 vote.
Commission staff is reviewing license applications for deficiencies.
Beginning next week, there will be public hearings for the Category 1, 2, and 3 licenses. Redacted versions of those applications are expected to be released shortly, the commission said.
Which MA online apps will be available
Online sports betting is expected to go live in the state in early March prior to the NCAA Tournament. Pending MGC approval, there could be 12 MA online sportsbooks:
- Barstool and Fanatics via Plainridge Park
- WynnBet and Caesars via Encore Boston Harbor
- BetMGM via MGM Springfield
- bet365 via Raynham Park
- Bally Bet, Betr, Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel and Pointsbet via Category 3 (untethered)
