Gaming commission agrees to reopen mobile sports-wagering licensing after Bet365 request

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously April 9 to reopen its sports-wagering license application process after a formal request from Bet365 to seek a category 3 (fully mobile, untethered) license.

Justin Stempic, chief deputy general counsel, told commissioners that Bet365 had submitted a formal letter asking the commission to reopen the category 3 window. “Bet 365 has indicated that they are interested in a category 3 untethered license,” he said, and staff recommended posting a notice of intent so the commission can gauge market interest before accepting applications.

Commissioners debated the scope and sequencing of any reopening. Several said they wanted an initial notice-of-intent period to determine how many operators are interested before asking applicants for detailed economic analyses. Commissioner O'Brien said she would prefer to “see what is out there in terms of somebody being able to assess the market in Massachusetts and potential growth and impact” before requiring full applications. Other commissioners said the licensing process itself would allow the commission to evaluate public‑interest considerations.

Commissioner Hill moved to reopen the licensing process as included in the meeting packet; the motion carried 5-0. Staff will return with a proposed schedule for a notice-of-intent window and details on how the commission will evaluate applications.

What happens next: If staff posts a notice of intent, prospective applicants will have a defined window to signal interest; the commission and staff then would decide whether to accept applications and perform scoping and licensing evaluations under the applicable statute (23N).