Just in time for the 2023 NFL Draft, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has finalized rules for betting on the NFL Draft in Massachusetts.
In its Tuesday meeting, the MGC issued rules and regulations for the event, which has become a spectacle for the league.
Now that Massachusetts sports betting apps are live, football fans in the state can bet on this year’s draft from the comfort of their own homes.
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Betting on the NFL Draft in Massachusetts
The MGC issued rules that require all bets on the NFL Draft to adhere to strict timing.
Specifically, pre-draft odds wagers must be placed before the first pick is made in round one, and all round-specific betting slips must be submitted prior to that particular round. For example, a wager on whether a specific player is picked in a specific round must be submitted before that round begins.
For bets on a particular pick, those bets must be made at least two picks before that pick, according to the betting rules implemented by the MGC. For example, these bets would be for a certain team to pick a specific player with their pick in a specific round.
The commissioners admitted to closely mimicking rules that are in place in Michigan, which debuted sports betting in 2021, and also requires bettors to place pick-specific bets at least two picks ahead.
The commission voted unanimously to approve the betting rules for the NFL Draft, which will take place from April 27 to April 29, in Missouri. The draft consists of seven rounds for the 32 teams in the league. Draft eligible players, many of whom will be in attendance, are picked by teams who have 10 minutes to decide after the previous selection is made.
The New England Patriots have the 14th selection in the first round, and 11 total picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Each year, the NFL Draft is covered in its entirety by ESPN and streamed online pick-by-pick. In addition, many football fans travel to the draft each year to watch the selections be made.
Betr, Fanatics Receive Approvals
In addition to setting the rules for NFL Draft betting, the MGC also voted to approve an operators certificate for Betr. The mobile betting app is expected to join the market in the commonwealth in the coming weeks.
Furthermore, house rules were approved by a 5-0 vote for Fanatics, which will operate as the betting partner for Plainridge Park Casino. However, no date is scheduled for a launch of the Fanatics app in Massachusetts.
An email sent by the MGC earlier this week revealed that launch dates for additional mobile sports betting operators such as Fanatics and Betr have not been finalized, and that details will be forthcoming from the commission as those plans become clear.
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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
