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Raynham Park officials in Massachusetts have submitted an application to state gaming regulators for a Category 2 (retail) sports betting license. The goal is to join with Caesars Sportsbook to operate a 30,000-square-foot sportsbook at the former greyhound track and present simulcasting facility near Boston.
Although the sportsbook was supposed to open in June, construction delays due by issues obtaining key building materials delayed the opening date to the first week of September, just in time for the NFL season. To make up for the delay, Raynham Park intends to operate a temporary sportsbook before the permanent one, but the exact date has yet to be determined. Both the temporary and permanent venues, however, will not be operational until the state gaming regulators give a license and Certificate of Occupancy.
In addition to the retail sports betting facility, Raynham Park has the option of partnering with up to two mobile carriers, however no agreements have been disclosed. Initially evaluated as a potential online betting partner, bet365 later dropped its aspirations to operate in Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, the other Category 2 potential licensee, Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, has yet to file a formal sports betting application to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Rumours claim that Suffolk Downs is considering a downtown Boston location for its sportsbook, but no formal announcements about partnerships or plans have been made.
Caesars Entertainment, under the Caesars Sportsbook brand, is planned to not only operate the physical sports betting facility, but also to eventually incorporate Raynham Park’s simulcast service. Through its agreement with the Encore Boston Harbour casino, Caesars already provides mobile sports betting in the state.
Raynham Park owner Chris Carney billed the upcoming sportsbook to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission as “one of the largest sports gaming destinations in the United States.” The 30,000-square-foot facility will include video walls, teller windows, self-service kiosks, and a choice of culinary options. Despite the fact that the legal betting age for horse racing in the state is 18, Raynham Park aims to create the sportsbook as a location exclusively for those aged 21 and older.
On January 31, Massachusetts’ three casinos opened retail sports betting, with Barstool Sportsbook (Plainridge Park), BetMGM (MGM Springfield), and WynnBET (Encore Boston Harbour) debuting. On March 10, mobile betting was introduced.
Despite the fact that the meeting between the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and Raynham Park officials lasted more than six hours, no vote on the racetrack’s application was taken. The hearing will be concluded at a later date to be announced. As the sports betting market in Massachusetts evolves, the relationship between Raynham Park and Caesars Sportsbook holds promise for providing bettors in the region with a great gaming experience.