Betr Out of Massachusetts, WynnBET Still Moving Through Process

Jan 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) and forward Reggie Bullock (25) and center Dwight Powell (7) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsThe Massachusetts Gaming Commission provided updates on the exits of Betr, WynnBETBetr is completely out of the stateWynnBET is still moving through the process

Betr is completely out, WynnBET is trying to get out, and Massachusetts sports betting customers have two less operators to choose from in the state moving forward.

Betr and WynnBET both announced they would be leaving the commonwealth last month. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved Betr’s cessation plan today and the operator is now fully out of the state, while WynnBET is still moving through the process.

Betr noted that it would consider re-entering Massachusetts at a future date.

All Bets Final for Betr, WynnBET Moving On

A Betr spokesperson today said that all customer bets have been closed out. It closed its sports betting markets to Massachusetts customers on Friday, Feb. 16. Customers will have until March 16 to withdraw funds from their accounts, and any remain money will be sent to them via check after that date.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved Betr’s cessation plan and wished them well.

Despite the operator leaving the commonwealth, a spokesperson left the door open for a possible Betr return.  Ashwin Krishnan, Head of Legal and Business Affairs for Betr, thanked the commission for their support and said the sportsbook operator “hopes to re-enter at some point in the future.”

WynnBET is planning to close all betting in the commonwealth on Friday, Feb. 23. Jennifer Roberts, VP and General Counsel for WynnBET, said at the meeting that customers with open bets that will not be settled by next month have been contacted to see how they can be resolved. In total, 75% of these eligible bets have been resolved, she said.

Roberts said at the minimum a customer will receive their original bet stake back, but in many cases WynnBET is offering “fair market value” for bets that may cash.

WynnBET will continue to update the gaming commission on their process.

MGC in Need of New Chair

Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced that its chairwoman, Cathy Judd-Stein, will retire from the commission at the conclusion of her five-year term on March 21, 2024.

Judd-Stein served as the chair of the MGC since January 2019. Prior to her MGC role, she served the state as part of five successive gubernatorial administrations, most recently as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel for the Office of the Governor.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to spend over 25 years working in public service for the Commonwealth,” said Judd-Stein in a released statement. “During my tenure at the Gaming Commission, I have been grateful for the partnership with my fellow Commissioners and the outstanding accomplishments of our dedicated team. Together, we have led the Commission through complex issues during transformative times, prioritizing integrity and the health and well-being of gaming employees and patrons, working always to advance the best interests of the Commonwealth.

MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein will retire on March 21 upon completion of her term with the Commission.

READ: https://t.co/yrNOiTGuHQ pic.twitter.com/9q9SuQOseu

— MA Gaming Commission (@MassGamingComm) February 20, 2024