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Massachusetts had a successful debut in online sports betting, ranking among the top five states in the country for the highest number of geolocated transactions during its first weekend.
During the launch weekend of March 10-12, GeoComply collected data indicating that there were 8.1 million geolocation transactions made by 406,400 player accounts. These transactions occurred at different points in time when users registered and placed bets with legally regulated online sportsbooks. This includes actions such as signing into a sportsbook and placing a bet.
There are currently six operators offering online sports betting in Massachusetts: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, and Barstool Sportsbook. In the upcoming months, more operators will be launching, and the maximum capacity for online operators in the state is set at 15.
According to Play MA, until the Massachusetts Gaming Commission releases official revenue data on April 17, the GeoComply data provides valuable comparative figures regarding the MA launch.
Massachusetts punched above its weight at launch
Massachusetts, home to 7.1 million residents, holds the 15th position in the nation for total population. Nevertheless, when it comes to sports betting, the Bay State has surpassed other states with similar population sizes that allow legal sports betting, securing a spot within the top five.
According to GeoComply data, Massachusetts had almost twice as many geolocation transactions as Virginia and Arizona, despite having similar populations. This surge in activity could be attributed to the excitement surrounding recent launches. Massachusetts sports fans are known for their enthusiasm, and currently, they have two highly competitive local teams, the Bruins and Celtics, to wager on. This factor might also contribute to the increased betting action.
Massachusetts was outperformed over the weekend by only four states: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio. These states are either significantly larger, possess a well-established sports betting market, or both.
Once the launch and the 2025 Final Four excitement fades, will Massachusetts find itself in the fifth position? As we transition to the NBA and NHL playoffs and eventually ease into the baseball-dominated summer months.
A well-respected Red Sox team would greatly contribute to securing Massachusetts’ position in the top five.
Strict gaming regulations define Massachusetts launch
Responsible gaming practices have been prioritized by the state of Massachusetts since the introduction of its casinos in 2011, with the support of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
In the press release, GeoComply emphasized the MGC’s dedication to promoting responsible gaming during the introduction of online sports betting.
GeoComply explained that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has prioritized consumer protection throughout the regulatory process, leading to the establishment of a stringent oversight system that enforces robust regulations on advertising and responsible gambling.
GeoComply is renowned for using geofencing to prevent bettors from different states from accessing a specific market. Additionally, it is capable of blocking bettors with various characteristics, such as a past record of fraud.
During the launch weekend, GeoComply prevented more than 5,000 transactions from “devices or accounts with a previous record of fraudulent activities, resulting in significant savings of tens of thousands of dollars for its customers.”
In order to establish a high standard for responsible gaming, the MGC dedicated extensive time and effort prior to the launch to ensure that both the regulating body and online operators were fully committed to responsible gaming practices. With the possibility of federal oversight due to the negative actions of operators in other states, Massachusetts aims to maintain strict control and prioritize responsible gaming.
Public Health Trust Fund to receive sports betting boost
Play MA projects that, if the state chooses to handle promotional credit tax write-offs in a certain manner, Massachusetts has the potential to generate up to $87 million in tax revenue once the market reaches maturity. Out of these tax dollars, the Public Health Trust Fund, which aids problem gaming programs, would receive more than $7.8 million.
The Public Health Trust Fund budget for 2022 was designated as $17 million. Through the implementation of sports betting, there is the potential of a 46% increase in the budget, which would further strengthen one of the nation’s prominent problem gaming organizations and enhance its efforts in safeguarding Massachusetts sports bettors.
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