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Fanatics Likely to Launch Massachusetts Sports Betting This Month

Robert Linnehan

by Robert Linnehan in Sports Betting News

Updated May 16, 2023 · 2:16 PM PDT

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
  • The sportsbook operator received its certificate of operations today
  • Fanatics Betting and Gaming indicated it will launch in Massachusetts by end of month
  • Approval comes on heels of the Fanatics’ acquisition of PointsBet’s U.S. assets

Fanatics Betting and Gaming has been given the green light for a Massachusetts sports betting launch.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) unanimously approved the company’s certificate of operations this afternoon. The operator passed all inspections and the MGC’s sports wagering division recommended the approval of the certificate.

Bruce Band, Director of Sports Betting for the MGC, said Fanatics Betting and Gaming indicated it would “begin operations by the end of the month.”

The approval comes just days after Fanatics announced a $150 million purchase of Australian-based PointsBet’s U.S. assets.

Fanatics Betting and Gaming is Commonwealth Bound

Fanatics Betting and Gaming is now free to launch its sports betting app when it pleases. As mentioned in today’s meeting, Fanatics Betting and Gaming will likely launch Massachusetts sports betting at the end of the month.

Fanatics’ online sports betting license is tethered to Plainridge Park Casino. The MGC awarded the Category 3 online sports betting license to Fanatics Betting and Gaming back in January.

The sportsbook has been beta-tested in both Tennessee and Ohio. It is now fully live in the state, but is only available to Fanatics customers who received an access code to the sportsbook via email. Fanatics Betting and Gaming will take the same path in Massachusetts, only offering the full sportsbook at first to Fanatics customers.

In late April, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission unanimously approved the Fanatics Sportsbook house rules and operations by a vote of 5-0.

Fanatics is currently live in one state, Maryland, through a brick-and-mortar sportsbook at FedExField, home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.

Approval on Heels of PointsBet Acquisition

It’s been an exciting week so far for Fanatics Betting and Gaming, as the approval of its Massachusetts operations certificate comes on the heels of a $150 million deal to acquire PointsBet’s U.S. assets.

PointsBet will retain its proprietary iGaming, sports betting, and racing platform in the deal.

“Fanatics and PointsBet are excited to enter into an agreement for  Fanatics Betting and Gaming to acquire PointsBet’s U.S. business. While there are still several steps in the process to complete the acquisition, both parties are confident in the outcome. Fanatics Betting and Gaming and PointsBet will provide further details of the proposed deal and timely updates in the coming week,” the companies announced in a joint statement Sunday night.

The timeline for the full acquisition extends into 2024, according to an announcement from PointsBet.

The proposed transaction will be divided into two stages. The initial completion is expected to happen by Aug. 31, 2023, with Fanatics Betting and Gaming acquiring the entities that own and operate PointsBets business in at least three states. PointsBet will hand over access to three more states on a rolling basis until all U.S. entities are acquired by Fanatics Betting and Gaming by May 2024 at the latest.

PointsBet  has U.S. market access in 14 states, including New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Fanatics Betting and Gaming is currently operational in Ohio and Tennessee.

Through the deal, PointsBet will be able to keep its Australian and Canadian based assets.

MGC Looking at New Sports Betting Logo Requirements

During today’s MGC meeting, the commissioners debated a potential new requirement for any public display or public advertisement featuring a sports betting company’s logo.

The commissioners debated a new requirement mandating the words “21-plus” to be visibly included under a sports betting company logo that can be seen by those under 21. Massachusetts would be the first state in the country to approve this type of advertising requirement.

This would affect sports betting advertisements at both Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium, both of which feature visible sports betting logos.

Additionally, if a DraftKings logo was featured on a rotating advertisement at TD Garden, it would also require the “21-plus” language.

Commissioners Eileen O’Brien and Jordan Maynard were both in favor of the requirement, while MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein, Commissioners Brad Hill and Nakisha Skinner were not in favor.

The discussion was tabled and will be revisited in June. A waiver for all visible advertisements is in place through June 30.

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