Encore Boston Harbour approved for first Massachusetts licence

Encore Boston Harbor

Encore Boston Harbour has become the first Massachusetts facility to be awarded a sports wagering operator licence after certification was confirmed by the state’s Gaming Commission.

This has seen the venue subsequently proclaim that ‘Boston’s Sportsbook’ will be live in early 2023, which aligns with an MGC goal to launch retail sports betting at the region’s three casino establishments in January of next year.

Following a presentation by representatives of Encore Boston Harbor and a review of the application submitted by Wynn Resorts, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously to approve the first licence in the region.

As a result, the venue, the land and real estate assets of which were purchased by Realty Income for $1.7bn earlier in the week, must now obtain a certificate of operations and meet additional conditions before bets can be accepted. 

It was also confirmed that further information on a universal launch day for retail sports betting will be released in the coming weeks.  

Next week will see the MGC host a public hearing regarding the five applicants for category three sports wagering licences that are tethered to a casino entity.

These would see Caesars and WynnBet aligned with Encore, BetMGM tethered to MGM Springfield and Fanatics and Penn Sports Interactive associated with Plainridge Park Casino

Following an anticipated land-based launch in January, it is hoped that the digital doors of successful applicants will swing open in Massachusetts two months later.