Compliance Updates
Massachusetts Senate Passes Sports Betting Bill
The Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill that would allow legal sports betting – but with a prohibition on many forms of marketing – in the state.
The chamber reviewed Senate Bill 2844, which added a clause to the Massachusetts General Laws clarifying that sports betting, whether online or land-based, was not a form of illegal gaming.
The bill would also prohibit “advertising, marketing, and branding through certain identified promotional items that, as determined by the commission, tend to increase the likelihood of problem gambling, which may include giveaways, coupons or promotional gaming credits”.
In addition, the bill would ban marketing during a live sporting event and would only allow online marketing if 85% of the audience “is reasonably expected to be 21 years of age or older”.
Online sports betting would be taxed at 35% of revenue and retail sports betting at 20%.
A Category 1 sports betting license may go to any existing gaming licensee, provided they pay a $5m application fee. The three current gaming licensees in the state are Wynn’s Encore Boston Harbor, MGM’s Springfield casino, and Plainridge Park Casino from Penn National Gaming. Each of these operators may offer not only retail betting but also one online betting skin.
The state Lottery Commission may issue up to six Category 2 licenses for online-only sports betting, chosen through a “competitive application process”. These licensees must also pay a $5m application fee.
In addition, Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker is instructed to negotiate with the state’s Native American tribes for a new Class III gaming compact that would also allow for sports betting.
Bettors will also not be permitted to place wagers on college sports.
After considering amendments, senators voted to replace Senate Bill 2844 with House Bill 933, which had already passed the House in 2021, and to replace all of HB933’s text with that of SB2844. The Senators then voted to approve this new version of HB933.
As the House had already passed a version of House Bill 933, a joint conference committee of both houses will now meet to create a bill that both chambers can approve.
Compliance Updates
Licenses received: RockApp strengthens its position in the US iGaming market
RockApp, a leading global media buying agency, proudly announces that it has obtained official licenses in all regulated US states, allowing it to promote iGaming services nationwide, including Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. With these licenses, RockApp is now authorized to operate in all regulated US states, except for New York. This achievement comes amidst tightening regulatory standards, underscoring the agency’s commitment to compliance and excellence in performance marketing. The move positions RockApp as a trusted partner for iGaming companies looking to expand their reach in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets.
These developments enable the agency to work with prominent industry players, including established American brands, and deliver targeted advertising campaigns with measurable results. By securing a legal presence in all regulated states, RockApp reinforces its reputation as a reliable and professional partner, capable of navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
This milestone is part of RockApp’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global leader in the media buying industry. Over the past year, the company has demonstrated impressive growth, achieving a 440% increase in customer acquisition, a 300% boost in turnover, and a record-breaking 4,000 first-time deposits achieved in a single day. These achievements reflect RockApp’s dedication to innovation, strategic planning, and delivering exceptional value to its clients.
“This is a pivotal moment for RockApp,” said Niko Belikov, Founder at RockApp. “Securing licenses in the US not only opens new doors for us but also allows us to bring our expertise in iGaming promotion to a market that values professionalism and results. We’re excited to support our clients as they navigate this dynamic landscape and achieve unparalleled success.”
Canada
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
Compliance Updates
Media Troopers Receives Two-Year Renewal of Colorado Sports Betting License
Media Troopers, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in sports betting and iGaming, has marked its two-year anniversary in promoting sports betting in Colorado as a vendor licensed by the state.
Shmulik Segal, CEO of Media Troopers said: “We are very proud of this renewal, as it marks a milestone of two successful years of growth and commitment to the State of Colorado.”
Colorado’s Division of Gaming has renewed Media Troopers’ vendor license, allowing the company to promote sports betting offers for its customers until January 2027.
“Receiving a new license and debuting in a state is always exciting, but it is where the hard work begins,” Segal added. “So I am proud to celebrate two successful years of hard work and dedication in promoting safe and reponsible gaming for our Colorado partners such as BetMGM, bet365, and BetFanatics.”
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