So far, 11 applicants have reached out to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for the paperwork required to apply for temporary licensing. This includes providing proof of legitimacy regarding the gambling operator and a $1m fee to process the license.

Karen Wells, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, confirmed that PointsBet reached out to the Commission on 22 February to notify it that it would be withdrawing from the Massachusetts temporary gaming license application.

PointsBet did not submit either the paperwork required, or the $1m fee for the license before backing out.

The first part of the letter from PointsBet read: “On behalf of Pointsbet, [we] would like to express our gratitude to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for its thorough approach to launching its sports wagering industry and regulatory structure in the commonwealth.”

Out of the 11 total applicants, only 9 have completed the licensing form and paid the $1m fee to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. These are confirmed to be Ballys, Betr, DraftKings, Fanduel, Caesars Sportsbook, Wynnbet, BetMGM, Penn Sports and Fanatics.

The final operator, Catania Gaming Consultants (CGC) is still in talks with the commissioners regarding its application. This is due to the recent acquisition the company underwent at the start of the year causing difficulties in the process.

The temporary gaming license application would allow the gaming entities to conduct sports betting wagering services for a period of one year, or until a final determination on its operator license application is made.