Massachusetts reopens sportsbook licensing following bet365 request

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has unanimously voted to reopen the application process for sports wagering licenses, potentially allowing new operators to enter the state’s market.

The move comes after bet365 submitted a request to be considered for a “Category 3” untethered license, which would enable statewide online betting. In its letter to regulators, the UK-based operator expressed interest in one of the remaining permits.

Massachusetts currently hosts three untethered online sportsbooks DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bally Bet with four additional licenses still available. Other operators, including BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and PENN Interactive’s theScore Bet, operate tethered platforms tied to local casinos.

Justin Stempeck, MGC Deputy General Counsel, said:

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

Commissioners approved the decision with a 5–0 vote, agreeing to issue a Notice of Intent to gauge market interest.

Commissioner Brad Hill commented:

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.

Commissioner Nakisha Skinner said:

It could just be bet365, we could have others coming out of the woodwork. So I’m fine with opening up the process.

She noted that bet365 may not be the only interested party.

Commission chair Jordan Maynard added that the timing aligns with the market’s development, as March marked two years since online sports betting launched in the state.

However, Eileen O’Brien urged caution, warning that reopening the process before evaluating economic impact could be “putting the cart before the horse.” She suggested further analysis before awarding new licenses.

Stempeck clarified that the current vote only reopens the process, with additional details on timelines and next steps to follow.

If successful, bet365 would expand its US footprint further, adding Massachusetts to the growing list of states where it operates.