Following multiple public meetings of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) where Fanatics Betting and Gaming (Fanatics) presented and Commissioners reviewed that entity’s application for a sports wagering operator license, Commissioners voted unanimously to find Fanatics preliminarily suitable for a temporary Category 3 sports wagering operator license. 
 
Commissioners required, and Fanatics agreed to approve an internal responsible gaming plan and provide that plan to the MGC ahead of launching sports wagering in Massachusetts.  
 
The MGC has announced that retail sports wagering at Category 1 licensees will launch in Massachusetts on January 31. Online/mobile sports wagering is targeted to launch in March 2023.  
 
Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 23N directs the MGC to award Category 1 sports wagering licenses to those entities that hold a gaming license under MGL Chapter 23K should that entity seek to offer sports wagering, meet requirements set forth by the MGC and pay associated fees.

A Category 1 sports wagering license also permits the holder to offer sports wagering through no more than two individually branded mobile applications or other digital platforms approved by the MGC. Those platforms must be qualified for and issued a Category 3 sports wagering license according to MGL Chapter 23N. The Fanatics Category 3 license will be tethered to Plainridge Park Casino’s Category 1 sports wagering license. 
 
Fanatics is now eligible to request a temporary license to conduct sports wagering while a full suitability review is undertaken by the MGC’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau. Following a temporary license being granted, Fanatics must obtain an operations certificate and meet additional conditions before they can accept wagers on approved sporting events. 
 
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