Confirming its solid commitment to the Bay State, representatives from Bally Bet informed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday, 11 April, of their intentions to initiate operations by late June. Bally’s originally indicated a “late Q2” debut without specifying a precise launch date. Already provisioned with a temporary sports wagering license since early 2023, Bally Bet’s entry is poised to increase the digital platform tally in Massachusetts to seven, following the exit of Betr and WynnBET earlier this year.
The interim chair of the MGC, Jordan Maynard, expressed enthusiasm about the progression, stating during the meeting, “Having someone that we’ve started with the licensing process, a group come in and actually get going, is exciting to us.”
In a separate yet significant development within the sports world, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the media on 10 April regarding betting accusations against Toronto player Jontay Porter, suggesting Porter could face a ban from the league. Citing the gravity of the allegations, Silver remarked, as per the Associated Press, “It’s a cardinal sin what he’s accused of in the NBA. The ultimate extreme option I have is to ban him from the game. That’s the level of authority I have here because there’s nothing more serious.” Porter’s recent performance has been questionable, with him not playing in 10 consecutive games and underperforming in others. If banned, he would be the first NBA player to face such a sentence post the overturning of PASPA.
The imminent NBA and NHL playoffs heralded a new campaign from ESPN BET on 10 April, featuring Scott Van Pelt. ESPN also unveiled the extension of its agreement with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions until 2034, securing the continuity of “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” and granting access to additional original content.
On the legislative front, Delaware is witnessing efforts to diversify sports betting opportunities within its borders. WBOC reported that lawmakers have drafted bills aimed at expanding the roster of wagering platforms available. With only BetRivers currently operating, the proposed HB 365, stemming from the 2023-established Internet Sports Lottery Legislative Working Group, is poised to allow multiple operators to forge alliances with local casinos. The proposed legislation outlines an 18 percent tax on adjusted gross revenue and imposes a $500,000 licensing fee for a five-year term.
Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed off on a legislative package disqualifying the city of Richmond from pursuing a casino license and potentially propelling Petersburg forward as the state’s fifth casino location. Since legalizing sports betting and paving the way for brick-and-mortar casinos in 2020, Virginia has been actively reshaping its gaming landscape.
In Louisiana, construction timelines for the Caesars New Orleans hotel, slated to be next door to the state’s sole land-based casino, remain on track for an opening in autumn, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Anticipation is building as New Orleans prepares to host Super Bowl LIX on 9 February 2025, with the extensively refurbished casino intended to be an integral part of the city’s entertainment offerings.
With a whirlwind of developments in the North American sports and wagering sectors, from new platform launches, regulatory evolutions, high-stake controversies, and strategic partnerships, the landscape continues to evolve, ensuring an ever-changing panorama of opportunities and challenges for enthusiasts and stakeholders alike.
