What You Need To Know
- Applications for Category 1 and Category 3 licenses must be submitted for consideration by 2 p.m. EST Monday, November, 21, 2022.
- Per a commission vote on November 10, 2022, applications for Category 2 licenses will be accepted on a rolling basis.
- Applicants should fill out the below form in order to receive a link to a secure file drop to securely submit completed applications and supporting forms. Please do not send completed applications and supporting forms to the MGC over email.
- Please Note: The Sports Wagering Operator License Application will be updated to reflect the addition of necessary information as it becomes available.
- A non-refundable application fee of $200,000 is required by the application deadline in order to apply for a sports wagering license.
- Applicants for Category 1, 2, or 3 Sports Wagering Operator Licenses were also required to submit a Scoping Survey by October 17, 2022. Prospective vendors are not required to meet this deadline, though will eventually be required to fill out the survey.
Application Materials Regarding License for Sports Wagering
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) approved a final application for Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 sports wagering licenses on October, 7, 2022. The MGC has set 2 p.m. EST Monday, November, 21, 2022 as a due date for Category 1 and Category 3 license applications. Applications for Category 2 licenses will be accepted on a rolling basis. A non-refundable application fee of $200,000 must accompany any application. Applicants may pay the fee via a wire transfer, a certified check or a cashier check. Wiring instructions may be obtained by calling Douglas O’Donnell (617) 979-8425, Sarah Gangi (617) 979-8479 or Jay Lee (617) 979-8481. Checks are to be made out to The Massachusetts Gaming Commission and mailed to the following address.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission
c/o Revenue Department
101 Federal Street, 12th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 23N Section 6(i), applications for operator licenses shall be public records. The Commission requests that applicants submit a redacted copy of all application documents. Redacted applications are due no later than November 28, 2022. Redacted applications should be submitted in a single PDF document and should include all application documents and pages, even those on which no redactions are being made. Please note that MGC staff will review these redactions and potentially be in touch following a submission.
To submit application materials or inquire about the application process, please fill out the below form.
Companies interested in applying for a sports wagering license are referred to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 23N in advance of applying for a sports wagering license.
- Application: Sports Wagering Operator License Application
- Scoping Survey: Sports Wagering Operator Initial Scoping Survey
- Business Entity Disclosure Form for Gaming Licensees
- Certification of Filing and Payment of Federal and State Taxes – Individual
- Certification of Filing and Payment of Federal and State Taxes – Sports Wagering Operators
- Certification for Institutional Investors
- Multi-Jurisdictional Personal History Disclosure Form
- Massachusetts Supplemental Form
- Operator Certification Regarding Suitability of Applicant and Qualifier
- Vendor Identification Form
How to Submit Completed Applications or Ask Questions About the Sports Wagering Application
About Sports Wagering License Categories
Category 1
Category 1 Sports Wagering Licenses permit the operation of sports wagering in person at gaming establishments that hold a gaming license – a license issued by the MGC that permits the licensee to operate a gaming establishment – as defined in Section 2 of Chapter 23K of the General Laws.
As of August 10, 2022, there are three gaming establishments that maintain Category 1 (resort-casino) or 2 (slot parlor) Gaming Licenses: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino. (Note: Category 1 & 2 Gaming Licenses are separate licenses from Category 1, 2, & 3 Sports Wagering Licenses.)
A Category 1 License for Sports Wagering also permits sports wagering through not more than 2 individually-branded mobile applications or other digital platforms approved by the MGC – provided that the mobile applications or other digital platforms be qualified for and issued a Category 3 Sports Wagering License.
Category 2
Category 2 Sports Wagering Licenses permit the operation of sports wagering in person at establishments that either conduct live horse racing or simulcast wagering on horse or greyhound racing in accordance with Chapter 128A or Chapter 128C of the General Laws, respectively.
As of August 10, 2022, there are two establishments in the Commonwealth that conduct simulcast wagering on horse or greyhound racing: Raynham Park Simulcast Center & Suffolk Downs.
A Category 2 License for Sports Wagering also permits sports wagering through not more than 1 individually-branded mobile application or other digital platform approved by the MGC.
Category 3
Category 3 Sports Wagering Licenses permit the operation of sports wagering through a mobile application and other digital platforms approved by the Commission. In addition to those Category 3 licenses tethered to a Category 1 or Category 2 license, the MGC may award up to seven untethered Category 3 Sports Wagering licenses. An operator awarded an untethered Category 3 license is only allowed to accept sports wagers through their approved mobile app or other digital platform.