The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously to reopen the application process for online sports betting licenses. The decision reopens the door for additional operators to enter the state’s regulated market, where a few untethered licenses remain available.
There are currently four untethered mobile sports wagering licenses still available in Massachusetts. The term “untethered” means that operators can apply without needing to partner with a land-based casino or racetrack.
This structure allows standalone online sportsbooks to enter the market independently, lowering barriers to entry. Partnerships with casinos or racetracks can be expensive, so this is avoided with the untethered license. Operators also don’t have to negotiate revenue-sharing terms to gain access to the Massachusetts market.
That makes the license more appealing, which means that there will likely be a lot of competition among prominent platforms seeking to enter this market.
Massachusetts currently has seven regulated sportsbooks:
bet365 is widely seen as a leading candidate to secure one of the newly available licenses, marking a potential return to a market it previously explored but did not enter.
The operator had initially considered joining Massachusetts ahead of the state’s 2023 online sports betting launch, at one point considering a partnership with Raynham Park. However, those plans were ultimately shelved before launch.
Since then, bet365 has significantly expanded its U.S. footprint, now operating in 16 states, including more recent entries such as Missouri. With that broader presence, the company is now better positioned to enter the Massachusetts market.
While bet365 is a prominent name to watch, other potential entrants include BetRivers and Hard Rock Bet.
It remains to be seen which sportsbooks will ultimately become available, with more clarity expected in the coming months as the Massachusetts Gaming Commission reviews applications and moves forward with the licensing process.
The reopening of the licensing process could bring meaningful changes for bettors in the state. Increased competition typically leads to more competitive odds, a wider range of betting markets, and more promotions for users.
For players, this could translate into better pricing on bets and improved app features. New entrants may also push existing sportsbooks to enhance their offerings in order to retain market share.
In other words, players stand to benefit because they’ll have more options to choose from.
