Sports betting will officially begin in Boston on January 31st. Encore Boston Harbor will open its sportsbook to the public just in time for the Super Bowl.
This is something this city has been begging for, for years. No longer do you have to make the unnecessary drive to Twin River or Foxwoods.
Along with the Sports book there will also be over 100 kiosks, located throughout the casino floors.
I imagine that the addition of sports betting will give the casino more life. Over the past few years it has been a nice place to visit once in a while but playing blackjack and slot machines can get old quickly. Sports betting is more appealing, to me anyway.
As for mobile or online gaming, that may not be around until March Madness. Encore will most likely be the first to roll out the use of online sports betting as well.
I’m Interested to see how Massachusetts sports gamblers do compared to other states. When it comes to sports towns, there’s no place like Boston. Especially over the last 20 years during the rapid growth of sports betting.
We are a sports generation of winners. A generation that has grown up with too many championships to count. I’d like to think we’ve learned a thing or two. Not only is Massachusetts the number one sports town but it may also be considered the sports gambling capital.
Two of the biggest companies in the sports betting industry, Barstool Sports and Draftkings, were both founded in Boston. Barstool in 2003 and Draftkings in 2012.
Although, according to the Boston Globe, Barstool “fails the suitability test” in terms of becoming a licensed sports book in MA. Apparently Barstool isn’t professional enough to be the face of sports gambling in Massachusetts. It’s not surprising to see this sort controversy come up. Another battle with mainstream for the stoolies.
Encore is not the only casino that will offer sports betting. You will also be able to place bets at The Plainridge Park Casino and at MGM Springfield.
For more follow me @JoelFlawless and @BellyUpSports.
