Massachusetts bettors will have an additional platform for online sports wagers starting Tuesday as Bally Bet is set to launch nearly a year and a half after receiving clearance from state regulators.
The introduction of Bally Bet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday will expand the number of mobile betting platforms in Massachusetts to seven. Bally Bet will join BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and FanDuel, all of which are currently operating in the state. Previously, Betr and WynnBet were part of this market but have since exited.
Brett Calapp, the Chief Operating Officer of Bally’s North America interactive division, expressed gratitude to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for their support during the approval process, which had its challenges. The commission voted unanimously on Monday to grant Bally’s its certificate of operations, according to WWLP 22 News.
“I think the thoroughness and collaboration and communication from your guy’s group was of the highest and most professional level. And as an operator, I think that’s really, really appreciated to have that type of cohesive communication during the licensing journey, because it is complex and there’s a lot of moving parts to it and there’s a lot of people involved,” Calapp stated. “We’re super excited to go live in Massachusetts, a state with such a rich sports history, a state where sports is part of the fabric of the community. And we can’t wait to participate in the entertainment, the fun and excitement of sports in your state.”
In addition to online betting, Massachusetts residents have the option to place bets in person at three physical locations: Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor in Everett. However, wagers placed at these physical sportsbooks typically make up less than 2 percent of the total monthly betting activity in the state.
Over Half a Billion Dollars Wagered
In May, bettors in Massachusetts wagered $587.26 million on sports events, according to the latest data from the Gaming Commission. This betting activity generated around $57 million in taxable gaming revenue for the operators, with nearly $11.5 million owed to the state in taxes. DraftKings remains the dominant player in the market, accounting for just over half of all wagers placed in May.
Since the legalization of sports betting in early 2023, the industry in Massachusetts has generated approximately $149.18 million in state taxes and assessments, as reported by the Gaming Commission. This revenue marks a significant contribution to the state’s finances and reflects the strong interest in sports betting among Massachusetts residents.