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Massachusetts Gaming Commission schedules Bet365 review, FanDuel KYC discussion and payments rule changes for April meeting
Summary
At its April 1 agenda-setting meeting, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved minutes and added a Bet365 request to reopen sports‑wagering licensing, a FanDuel alternate KYC method (requiring executive session), and final presentations on 205 CMR amendments aimed at blocking credit‑card‑funded wagers.
Jordan Maynard, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, opened the virtual agenda‑setting meeting on April 1, 2026, and apologized for the late start: "I am the reason we are late today, so I apologize for that," he said.
The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the March 18, 2026, agenda‑setting meeting after Commissioner Broderick moved to approve and the motion was seconded; Commissioners Hill, Skinner, Broderick and Chair Maynard recorded yes votes, 4–0.
Why it matters: Commissioners used the session to shape the April and May calendars and to add several regulatory and licensing items that could affect how sports wagering operators take deposits and verify customers.
What was added to upcoming meetings
- Bet365 licensing request: The council chief told commissioners the office had "received a formal request from Bet365 to reopen the sports wagering license application process" and asked that the Commission take up that request at the April 9 meeting. Staff said it would circulate a memo outlining how the sports‑wagering launch was handled previously and options for next steps.
- FanDuel KYC and executive session: Commissioners were asked to add a FanDuel proposal seeking approval of an alternate know‑your‑customer method; staff indicated an executive session would be required to discuss the request.
- Payments‑rule amendments: Two regulations (205 CMR 247 and 248) were added for final presentation; staff said the amendments aim to close a loophole that allowed credit cards to be used indirectly to fund sports wagering by excluding debit and prepaid access instruments that are purchased or loaded with a credit card.
Other items and scheduling
- Staff flagged a proposed amendment to 205 CMR 238.12 to permit payment by check when refunding a customer if the original deposit method is no longer technically feasible (for example, when an account has closed). Several other CMR sections (205 CMR 101, 205 CMR 134.08 and 205 CMR 238.32) were noted as returning for final review.
- Dr. Liebman asked to add a "LASIK administration policy revision" to the April 9 packet and offered to arrange 2x2 briefings with commissioners; staff and commissioners asked for follow‑up to clarify that item’s scope.
- House‑rule filings for Fanatics, BetMGM and MGM Springfield were proposed for the May 23 agenda, and the PlayWell quarterly report was slated for May 7 after staff corrected an earlier reference to a different report brand.
What didn’t happen: The meeting was an agenda‑setting session; commissioners did not take final regulatory votes or rule on licensing requests at this session. Staff will bring the Bet365 application request, FanDuel KYC materials and the 205 CMR presentations back to the Commission on the dates discussed for fuller review.
Next steps: The Commission’s packet for April 9 will include memos and presentation materials on the Bet365 request and the payments‑rule amendments; staff said they would be available for additional briefings with commissioners ahead of those meetings.
Actions recorded
- Motion to approve minutes of March 18, 2026: moved by Commissioner Broderick, second not specified; vote 4–0 to approve.
The meeting adjourned after a brief round of commissioner updates and scheduling remarks.
