Massachusetts Sports Betting Timeline Could Update On Thursday

Gambling regulators could be on the verge of establishing a formal timeline for the introduction of legal Massachusetts sports betting. Bettors in the Bay State could get some answers on Thursday if a vote goes well.

Massachusetts Gaming Commission will vote on launch dates for licensed sportsbooks during its Thursday, Oct. 6 meeting. The vote will include potential go-live dates. It's unclear if the Commission favors separate start dates or a universal timeline. DraftKings has argued for a start date. It is unclear how much of a gap could exist between online and retail launches.

Regulators are still trying to navigate what they have called a flaw with Massachusetts’ sports betting law. The issue revolves around temporary licenses for online sportsbooks. Statute allows the Commission to grant as many temporary licences as it likes. Temporary licenses are good for a year. However, the statute caps the number of permanent, untethered (not connected to a casino in the state) online licenses at seven.

The Commission might address the issue of temporary and permanent licenses in its Thursday meeting.

Providing a mechanism for temporary licensees to gain permanent approval. Expanding the limit on permanent licenses. Removing the distinction between permanent and temporary licenses