bet365 Request Triggers MGC Vote To Reopen Sportsbook Licensing Process

Massachusetts Gaming Commission has voted unanimously to reopen applications for category three untethered sports betting licenses (more details on different licensing models can be found in resources such as What Is a Gambling License and the iGaming Licensing Guide). The decision follows a formal request from bet365, which signalled interest in entering the state under this licensing category.

At present, only DraftKings, FanDuel and Bally Bet hold these licenses. Four untethered licenses remain available, leaving room for new entrants.

“bet365 has engaged in conversations with staff for quite some time as to the appropriate process by which to make a request to the Commission to reopen this particular process,” said Justin Stempeck.

“We advised that they should send a formal letter, which they did.”

Commission invites interest from additional operators

The Commission also approved plans to issue a Notice of Intent to gauge interest from other operators in Massachusetts. 

Brad Hill made it clear that the process remains open to all qualified bidders.

“Whoever wants to come forward, feel free. And then there’s the process we will go through to see if this is something that will fit for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or not.”

Licensing review timing and bet365 exit from AGA

MGC Chair Jordan Maynard supported the decision, pointing to the timing of the review. The state recently marked two years since launching online sports betting. He noted that it “makes sense” for the Commission to “take a look” at the open licenses.

Furthermore, the development comes shortly after the American Gaming Association confirmed that bet365 is no longer a member. The exit follows similar moves by other Sports Betting Alliance members, such as FanDuel, DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook.

Those departures were linked to disagreements around prediction markets, which have become a point of tension across the industry.

Despite speculation, reports indicate that bet365 had no immediate plans to enter prediction markets before leaving the association.

Further updates on regulatory developments will be available in the Regulation Section on PMPMedia.