Devices and accounts with a known history of fraud attempted more than 5,000 geolocation transactions over Massachusetts sports betting launch weekend (March 10-12).
That’s according to GeoComply, the geolocation company most US sportsbooks use to verify bettors’ locations. A geolocation transaction occurs at several points in the MA sports betting process, including signing up and placing a bet.
GeoComply didn’t specify how many of those 5,000 transactions came from accounts outside Massachusetts attempting to place bets. However, it’s same to assume that was a significant chunk. Sports betting is currently illegal in Vermont, which shares a border with Massachusetts. Maine, which is a short drive from Massachusetts, has legalized sports betting, but it’s not yet live.
More than 406,000 users in Massachusetts
In addition to blocking over 5,000 transactions, GeoComply reported there were 8.1 million legal transactions in Massachusetts from March 10-12, from more than 406,000 customer accounts. That level of activity was nearly twice of Arizona and Virginia, states of comparable size. It was fifth-most in the US, behind only New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
At full maturity, PlayMA projects Massachusetts will generate $5.7 billion in annual sports betting handle. Based on PlayMA projections for the rest of the US in 2023, that would make Massachusetts the eighth-largest sports betting market in the US.
Snapshot of online sportsbooks in MA
Six Massachusetts online sportsbooks launched March 10:
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- WynnBET
- FanDuel
- Barstool Sportsbook
Soon, there will be 10 apps. Betr plans to go live in April with microbetting and traditional sports betting. Bally Bet and Fanatics Sportsbook expect a May launch. And Betway will launch in January 2024.
Massachusetts law allows for up to 15 online sports betting operators. However, with market saturation and more companies putting resources in their online casino products, it’s unclear whether Massachusetts will ever actually have 15 sportsbook apps.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 1-800-327-5050 or visit www.mahelpline.org/problemgambling to speak with a trained specialist for free, 24/7
