Massachusetts Regulators Give Sports Betting-Related Approval to PENN’s Plainridge Park Casino
Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves Plainridge Park Casino's sports betting license. The state's three casinos have already received their sports-betting licenses. PENN Entertainment Inc. applied for a sports betting license for its casino in Plainville, MA. Regulators were concerned about Penn's responsible gaming efforts and its ties to Barstool Sports.
PENN bought a 36% stake in Barstool Sports in February 2020 and plans to buy the whole company in August 2022. The acquisition of remaining shares is expected to close in Feburary. PENN plans on using the BarStool brand for its sports-betting operations in Massachusetts. BarSTool has attracted controversy since Penn's purchase.
PENN bought a majority stake in Barstool Sports. BarStool's college football show recently drew the ire of the Ohio Casino Control Commission because it took place on a state college campus and advertised Bar stool sportsbook. PENN will buy 100% of Bar Stool in February.
The MGC approved the application for Plainridge Park Casino's Category 1 license. Commissioner Eileen O'Brien still has concerns about the PENN-Barstool relationship. Penn will apply for a temporary license for sports betting at Plain Ridge Park. The state's three casinos have already received key approvals for their sports-betting licenses. They are on track to start taking bets in late January. The first day of legal sports gambling in Massachusetts is January 1st. It will be available for retail wagering and for online wagers.
