BetMGM Launches in Massachusetts
Author:
Megan Butler
In major news for the state, casino and sportsbook operator BetMGM has announced the launch of its retail sports betting offering in Massachusetts, after the legal market launched on January 31st, 2023. The first legal bet in the state was put down at the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at the MGM Springfield by the town’s mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
BetMGM has revealed the long-anticipated launch of its retail sports betting offering in Massachusetts, following the legal market’s launch on January 31st, 2023. ?12019/Pixabay
BetMGM’s Launch Part of Category 1 License Holders Being Given the Green Light
Sports betting expands ever further into daily American life, with the prominent casino and sportsbook operator BetMGM recently confirming the upcoming launch of its retail sports betting offering in Massachusetts, after the regulated market finally kicked off on Tuesday, January 31st, 2023.
The very first legal wager in the state was put down at the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at the MGM Springfield casino on January 31st by Springfield’s own mayor, Domenic J. Sarno, who was joined by none other than Boston ice hockey legend Ray Bourque.
BetMGM’s much-anticipated launch in Massachusetts comes after Category 1 license-holders were granted the green light to launch and operate sports betting by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). Mobile sports wagering is expected to follow closely behind in March 2023.
Fans of engaging in sports betting in person can expect the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at MGM Springfield to boast a 45-foot LED viewing wall and four betting windows. The complex also features 18 sports betting kiosks scattered around the gaming area.
For a little more background on the situation: BetMGM was among 15 operators who sent in license applications to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in advance of the November 21st, 2022 deadline. This date was set in stone after sports betting was formally signed into law in August 2022 by then-Governor Charlie Baker. A whopping 29 operators first expressed their interest in applying, with that number being significantly whittled down with time.
BetMGM CEO Marks the Occasion as a Significant Day for Operator
To mark the momentous occasion of BetMGM’s retail sports betting launch in the Bay State, BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt attached plenty of symbolic importance to the event in a shared statement:
“The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield is a phenomenal sports betting hub designed for New England’s passionate sports fans. Today is a monumental step for BetMGM and sets the stage for us to deliver a best-in-class sports wagering experience across Massachusetts.”– Adam Greenblatt, CEO, BetMGM, Press Release
On behalf of the city of Springfield, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who also placed the inaugural bet, remarked how long the process had been up until this point, noting how he was personally honored to be placing the first bet and working with such a large team:
“Yet another first for our city of Springfield (the City of Firsts) and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This has been a long time coming and brings yet another chapter of innovation to enhance the operations and development at MGM Springfield. As a strong proponent of MGM Springfield and their marquee Sports Betting Lounge, which will bring more jobs and economic spin-off effect to Springfield and the region, I am honored to join with MGM Springfield President Chris Kelley, BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, MGM Resorts VP Chris Gumiela, and Bruins Legend and Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, to make the first sports wager in the state – maybe I’ll pick a winner for the Super Bowl.”– Domenic J. Sarno, Mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts, Press Release
Meanwhile, Chris Kelley, president and chief operating officer of the Northeast Group, MGM Resorts, took the opportunity to thank the state of Massachusetts for helping make the launch a reality:
“We are incredibly grateful for the tireless work of the state delegation to bring this historic bill to the finish line, and to the MGC for crafting the necessary regulations. The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield allows us to create even more one-of-a-kind engagements for our guests while generating tax revenue and job opportunities for our community.”– Chris Kelley, President and Chief Operating Officer, Northeast Group, MGM Resorts, Press Release
And finally, State Senator Adam Gomez, a Democrat from Springfield, celebrated the arrival of sports betting in the state, reminding observers how he supported the legislation that brought it to the state in the first place:
“After all these years, we finally have sports betting in Massachusetts! I was proud to sponsor legislation last session that sought to legalize sports wagering in the Commonwealth. To see that newly passed law in action today in my very own city is a humbling experience. BetMGM will bolster our economy locally and statewide. It’s a momentous occasion to have some of the first wagers on sports betting take place in Springfield today.”
Casino and Sportsbook Operator Donated Funds to Help Gambling Harm Research in December 2022
BetMGM was also in the news just recently in December 2022 for donating $180,000 to help support the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) in its efforts to study responsible gambling and the effect advertising has on problem gambling.
The center also provides educational initiatives which are designed to raise awareness surrounding the topic of harmful and problem gambling in the United States. BetMGM’s donation will also surely go towards these efforts.
As a response to BetMGM’s generous donation, Richard Taylor, who is the operator’s senior manager of responsible gaming, emphasized the centrality of safe and responsible gambling to the company’s core values:
“Investment into research around responsible gaming is key to our continued education and commitment to providing best-in-class experiences and programs, as well as to ensuring a sustainable industry. This ground-breaking research will not only provide valuable learnings to BetMGM but will also serve as a guide for the industry and key stakeholders.”
