Fanatics nets Massachusetts license as untethered permit hearings continue
Merchandizer cleared to launch in Bay State as regulator names inaugural sports wagering division lead
Fanatics has been unanimously granted a license to operate sports betting in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).
Hearings into the operator’s suitability for a license began last week, with regulatory officials playing host to a full presentation and technical demonstration from the aspiring sportsbook operator.
At the presentation, Fanatics confirmed the purchase of licensed code from Amelco, including its player account system and sports wagering system, in lieu of developing its own in-house offering or acquiring one via M&A.
Other revelations include Fanatics confirming partnerships with GeoComply for geolocation technology, Socure for know your customer (KYC) technology, and Paysafe for its payment processing technology.
Although not confirmed during the presentation, it is likely BetFanatics will serve as the umbrella brand for Fanatics’ sportsbook operations. Fanatics category 3 sports betting license will be tethered to the Plainridge Park Casino, which has obtained a category 1 license in the state.
The brand becomes the second to partner with Plainridge Park, following the lead of Barstool Sports which was granted a license earlier this month.
As with its licensed counterpart, Fanatics has been granted the license on the condition that the firm supply a responsible gambling plan, prior to launching in March 2023.
The approval comes amid hearings at the MGC on license applications for the state’s untethered sports betting licenses, namely, those operators that wish to operate on a standalone basis, independent of a land-based partner.
Operators facing scrutiny from the MGC include Bally Bet, betr, Betway, and PointsBet, as well as heavyweights DraftKings and FanDuel.
Of these, both Bally Bet and FanDuel have given presentations, with betr co-founder and aspiring MMA fighter Jake Paul answering questions from the MGC regarding the betr application.
Paul was questioned about his own conduct and suitability, with MGC officials taking the social media star to task over alleged looting in Arizona during the protests surrounding the George Floyd trial and an subsequent FBI visit to his home.
Despite the high scrutiny, MGC officials are understood to have been satisfied with Paul’s answers and impressed with the betr presentation.
However, the MGC will not verify license awards until all untethered license applicants have been considered, a process due to conclude next week.
Elsewhere, the MGC has confirmed the appointment of its first director to lead the newly established Sports Wagering Division, Bruce Band.
Band has been at the MGC since 2014, working as assistant director of its Investigations & Enforcement Bureau, and as the Gaming Agents Division chief. He will coordinate with other divisions within the MGC including Research, Responsible Gaming and IT.
Speaking about the appointment, MGC chair Cathy Judd-Stein cited Band’s credentials for the role.
“Because Bruce has been working closely on the implementation of sports wagering already, he won’t miss a beat as he begins his new responsibilities and prioritizes the integrity of sports wagering and the safety of patrons here in the Commonwealth,” she said.