“No” is an answer that many people dread getting when they ask for something. Yet, Massachusetts gaming regulators can give it as a reply to Plainridge Park Casino’s sports gambling license application. Last Tuesday, the regulators decided to shelve the license application for now as some people are concerned about the gaming operator’s suitability.
Gaming regulators in various states have approved the same license applications for Penn Entertainment. Yet, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) members publicly criticized Penn’s suitability for the license. Still, they might hold the company liable for irresponsible gambling.
Plainridge Park’s License Application
The MGC members held a six-hour meeting this week and heard Plainridge Park Casino’s presentation for its Class 1 sports gambling license application. The license will allow it to accept in-person sports wagers and online bets within Massachusetts.
The recent meeting entailed various application aspects like the company’s plan to provide online betting. It intends to collaborate with Penn Entertainment’s in-house online bookie, which is the Barstool Sports branding.
Commissioner Nakina Skinner stated that is the major hindrance for Plainridge Park. Also, Commissioner Eileen O’Brien voiced concerns over the application claiming that there is a general sports betting catch.
She added that sees responsible betting whenever she sees the catch and commends the casino for its great record so far. Even so, O’Brien is concerned about the casino’s move to link sports betting to the brand.
Commissioner Cathy Judd-Stein referred to Plainridge Park Casino’s plan to use Barstool to promote the bookmaker as the regulatory board’s crossroads.
She is concentrating on the gaming company’s decision to promote excessive gambling. An executive session ended the meeting as the Commissioners failed to act on the application.
What Is Wrong With Plainridge Park Casino’s Application?
Plainridge Park’s operations aren’t the major reason why Massachusetts gaming regulators have shelved its license application. Instead, it is the company that it wants to partner with to offer sports betting.
Some people accuse Barstool of promoting irresponsible gambling, racism, and misogyny. Yet, Penn Entertainment knew this when it decided to invest in the company believing that it would help it attract its loyal followers.
Things were working out according to Plainridge Park’s plan until Tuesday. Even so, the casino has reminisced how hedge finance managers purchase and saddle local newspapers with debt to reduce their sales. It is relying on casinos’ goodwill that they have developed with regulators hoping that local gaming regulators will overlook its problematic branding.
Proposed Gaming Regulations
The MGC currently operates according to some regulations which it will finalize soon about license applications. They include 205 CMR 218 that monitors application procedures, requirements, and standards.
Section 6 Article 5 allows the Commission to assess a sports betting license application and determine whether the Commonwealth will benefit from the application if it approves it. But, the applicant’s history should demonstrate their dedication to responsible betting. Moreover, they must be ready to promote ethnic, gender, and racial diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Massachusetts can levy a penalty on gaming operators whose personalities don’t suit their approved operations. For instance, it fined Wynn Resorts $35 million in 2019 due to Steve Wynn’s sexual misconduct allegations.
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