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Massachusetts to reopen applications for sportsbook licenses
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has voted to reopen applications for online sportsbook licenses after bet365’s request for a Category 3 license pushed the commission to assess demand.
The Commission voted on April 9, 2026, in favor of reopening the process to allow operators to apply for licenses. At the moment, there are three online sportsbooks in the state, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bally Bet; however, four licenses are still available.
bet365’s request triggered the discussion, with the commission believing that it will not be the only company looking to apply for a license.
Commissioner Nakisha Skinner shared:
“It could just be bet365; we could have others coming out of the woodwork. So I’m fine with opening up the process.”
Commissioner Brad Hill added:
“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.”
However, not all commissioners were fully supportive of the decision, with Eileen O’Brien stressing that the financial impact must be evaluated before reopening the process, suggesting conducting economic research before granting any licenses.
To address the concerns, Deputy General Counsel Justin Stempeck said that the vote was only about deciding if the application process had to be reopened or not, and that he would come back with more details about implementation.
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