“We did casinos, we did sports wagering, we did iLottery. The logical progression is to look at how we can potentially legalize igaming,”
Muradian told PlayUSA. His rationale is bolstered by the actions of neighboring states like Connecticut and Rhode Island, which have already embraced online gambling.
If the legislation passes, Massachusetts would become the eighth state in the U.S. to offer legal online casinos, further cementing its position as a leader in the regulated gaming market. The state has already made significant strides in this direction, having legalized land-based casinos in 2011 and launched mobile sports betting in March 2023.
The introduction of MA online casino gaming would represent the next logical step in the state’s evolving gaming landscape, potentially providing new revenue streams and opportunities for growth.
PENN Entertainment and ESPN Bet Enhance Offerings
In parallel with these legislative moves, PENN Entertainment has announced significant upgrades to its ESPN BET Massachuestts mobile app and the rebranding of its retail sportsbooks across Massachusetts. These changes were highlighted during PENN’s Q2 2024 earnings presentation, where the company outlined a comprehensive strategy to integrate ESPN Bet more closely with other ESPN digital properties.
The app enhancements are designed to improve user experience, with new features such as a parlay carousel, early win payouts, and a ‘dark mode’ option. Additionally, the rebranding of Parlay+ to Same Game Parlay is intended to minimize confusion among bettors. PENN also plans to launch a ‘parlay lounge’ and integrate a ‘profit boost’ button, enhancing the app’s functionality for sports enthusiasts in Massachusetts.
Moreover, the Plainridge Park Casino sportsbook, previously branded under Barstool Sportsbook, will be rebranded as ESPN Bet. This move aligns with PENN’s broader strategy to consolidate its sports betting operations under the ESPN Bet brand nationwide. The rebranding process is expected to be completed by the end of August 2024. As PENN Entertainment CEO Jay Snowden explained,
“We’re really focused on continuing to improve the products, continuing to drive top of funnel and loyalty and retention.”
The company also addressed rumors regarding potential surcharges on player winnings and speculation about selling parts of its business. While PENN does not anticipate immediate surcharges similar to those recently implemented by DraftKings, it remains observant of market trends and player reactions, suggesting a cautious approach to future changes.
MGC Bans Wagers on International Boxing Association Events
Amid these expansions and upgrades, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has taken a firm stance against betting on events governed by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Citing concerns over the IBA’s ties to Russia and issues related to governance and integrity, commissioners voted unanimously to remove the IBA from the state’s Sports Wagering Catalog. The decision reflects Massachusetts’ regulations prohibiting wagers on leagues, events, and athletes with explicit Russian affiliations.
The MGC’s decision aligns with actions taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which barred the IBA from overseeing Olympic boxing due to governance concerns. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien underscored these points, stating,
“The IOC had growing concerns over the governance, financial management, and integrity (of the IBA)…I think for both of those reasons I support the sports wagering department’s recommendation on this.”
Despite the removal of the IBA, Massachusetts sports bettors still have access to over a dozen other boxing leagues, ensuring a wide array of betting options remains available.
