The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has set a tentative date of March 10 for the state’s much-anticipated launch of mobile sports betting.

Fans have highly anticipated mobile sports betting since Governor Charlie Baker signed the legislation last year, providing regulatory oversight for sports betting throughout Massachusetts. But there are some caveats that you should know before venturing to bet. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know to get the most out of mobile gambling in Bay State.

What sports betting apps will be available?

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Initially, it was announced that 11 mobile betting apps would be available in Massachusetts. Still, the truth is that that number has changed.

Officially only 7 will be available for the release date on March 10. These are DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Betr, Barstool, and WynnBET.

Fanatics Sportsbook and Bally Bet announced that they will go live in May, but there is no set date.

Betway has delayed its launch until 2024.

PointsBet has withdrawn from the market. “We have been in communication with them,” MGC Executive Director Karen Wells said during Thursday’s meeting. “And last night, I did receive notice that they are withdrawing from Massachusetts.”

A spokesperson from PointsBet explained why they have made this decision. “We would like to thank the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for their consideration of our application, conducting extensive hearings, and deeming PointsBet suitable for licensure ahead of the launch of legalized sports wagering in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We have chosen this path to emphasize our continued focus on our 14 live states of the US (plus Ontario) and how we can best optimize those markets,” the spokesperson added.

What betting markets will be available in Massachusetts?

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Betting fans are pleased that the commissioners have approved a vast catalog of betting options, allowing access to several popular markets such as football, basketball, hockey, and baseball.

In addition, it will also be possible to place bets on badminton, biathlon, billiards, bowling, boxing, cricket, cycling, darts, disc, floorball, futsal, golf, handball, field hockey, lacrosse, mixed martial arts, racing, netball, pesapallo, rowing, rugby league, rugby union, sailing, snooker, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, and water polo.

Things get a bit complicated with college sports since bets will not be allowed on an event involving one or more teams from the state unless they are part of a tournament with four or more teams — such as the NCAA Tournament. This is good news since you can bet on March Madness, but there are no options outside these tournaments. If you want to start using some of these apps, Massachusetts sportsbook promos will have all the latest sign-up bonuses from all the sportsbooks that will be available in the state of Massachusetts.

The issue of college sports betting was a big deal and the main reason for the delayed launch of mobile betting, with lawmakers and commissioners, divided on their opinions.

The defenders of including this type of betting based their decision on the fact that the state would lose $25 to $35 million annually without college betting; for this reason, they fought until the end to achieve a concession.

“That one specific provision was one of the ones since the very beginning I was chatting with my conferees about,” Muradian, a member of the six-member committee, told LSR “I felt that was quite important that if we were ever going to get to a point of (legalizing) college betting but not Massachusetts teams.

Everyone loves a Cinderella story. And if one of our teams makes a run, I want everyone to have the opportunity to support them.”

Gambling addiction support

To enjoy gambling responsibly, Bay State has several services to help gamblers with addiction problems.

Through the Problem Gambling Helpline, users can get help and advice from trained professionals available around the clock for gamblers and their loved ones. Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for more information.

The state also has a voluntary self-exclusion program and GameSense information centers.

This content was produced in partnership with Bet Massachusetts.

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