Here is an update on recent legal sports betting happenings in the market. Fanatics has been granted a certificate to operate in Massachusetts. North Carolina lawmakers are expected to make progress on HB 347, the sports betting bill, in the next two weeks. In Kentucky, Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen believes sports betting will launch around NFL season.
Massachusetts Says Yes To Fanatics Sportsbook
On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) voted in favor of approving a certificate of operations to Fanatics Sportsbook. The Yes vote was unanimous and will see Fanatics Sportsbook able to offer odds statewide.
The MGC expects the Fanatics to be live in late May, becoming the eighth online operator in the Bay State. This will also be the third market to access Fanatics mobile sports betting. The new operator is currently running extended beta testing in Tennessee and Ohio with a retail locale in Maryland.
Fanatics gains a Category 3 sports betting license and will be operated under FBG Enterprises Opco, LLC. Local Massachusetts sports betting will soon have even more ways to play.
North Carolina Sports Betting Progress Incoming
In North Carolina, lawmakers are expected to continue efforts on passing the sports betting bill. HB 347 has been on hold as legislators were advancing other measures. The crossover deadline required the advancement of any measure that remained in the House. As HB 347 had already advanced from the House to the Senate, the measure was placed in the background.
The crossover deadline has ended, freeing up lawmakers to discuss the measure. HB 347 would regulate online sports betting sites in the Tar Heel State. This measure has optimism surrounding it, as it advanced out of the House to a 65-45 vote. Last year, a similar bill passed in the Senate but failed in the House.
With HB 347 already approved in the House and having support in the Senate in previous attempts, the future of sports betting in North Carolina is looking bright.
Churchill Downs CEO Predicts Kentucky Sports Betting Launch
Kentucky sportsbooks may launch this year with many hoping it will happen in time for the NFL season. This includes Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen. While speaking at a recent event, Carstanjen told the crowd he expects the launch in that window.
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission member Sen. Damon Thayer shares the sentiment. Thayer gave a similar timeline indicating the commission’s target for the launch.
Many new markets aim to go live in time for or during the NFL season. Sports fans wager on NFL odds more than any others, meaning they generate the most revenue. With so many figures supporting the idea of sports betting launching during that time, locals should be optimistic.
