Jun 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck (89) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
- Fanatics Betting and Gaming has been fined $15,000 by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission
- The investigations and enforcement bureau suggested the fine after Fanatics incorrectly took a bet on an in-state college last December
- A leg of a $2 bet included an in-state college
Fanatics Betting and Gaming will be fined for accepting improper bets earlier this year.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission agreed to a $15,000 fine for Fanatics Betting and Gaming for allowing a bet on an in-state college earlier this year. The college was included as a leg of a losing parlay.
The Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) suggested the fine after an investigation of the incident.
Fanatics Fined For In-State College Wager
Zachary Mercer, counsel for the IEB, reminded the commission that Fanatics allowed one user to include an in-state college in a $2 parlay on Dec. 13, 2023. The mistake was identified before the event started and that leg of the parlay was cancelled.
The IEB notified the commission of the error on Feb. 1, 2024,
“As outlined in the recommendation, the IEB investigated the matter, had further discussions with FBG concerning the causes of the incident, and reviewed the remedial measures taken. During the IEB’s review no additional information was uncovered that would have materially changed the nature of the noncompliance as originally presented to the commission. FBG was responsive and communicative throughout the process and is in agreement with the IEB’s recommendation,” Mercer said.
The commissioners unanimously agreed to accept the IEB’s recommendation and assess Fanatics Betting and Gaming a $15,000 penalty for the mistake.
Caesars Sportsbook Potentially Faces Hearing
In other news, the MGC discussed a potential noncompliance matter regarding Caesars Sportsbook. Mercer explained to the commission that Caesars Sportsbook was out of compliance with the state’s knowledge based authentication question requirements from Sept. 1, 2023, through April 9, 2024.
Mercer said Caesars Sportsbook believed it had been in compliance with the state regulation during that time period after discussions with the regulatory body.
Commissioner Nakisha Skinner requested an adjudicatory hearing for Caesars regarding the noncompliance, but several other commissioners noted they were not ready for such a step as of yet. MGC Interim Chair Jordan Maynard said it would be important to determine if Caesars willingly ignored the regulation or truly believed they were in compliance during the eight-month period.
The MGC unanimously agreed to direct the IEB to reach out to Caesars again before scheduling an adjudicatory hearing.
Rob covers all regulatory developments in online gambling. He specializes in US sports betting news along with casino regulation news as one of the most trusted sources in the country.
Massachusetts recently imposed a hefty $15,000 fine on Fanatics Betting and Gaming for engaging in improper betting practices. The state’s Gaming Commission found that the company had violated regulations by allowing individuals to place bets on events that were not authorized by the commission.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to strict regulations when it comes to sports betting and gaming. In Massachusetts, companies must obtain proper licensing and approval from the Gaming Commission in order to operate legally. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and penalties.
Fanatics Betting and Gaming is not the first company to face consequences for improper betting practices in Massachusetts. In recent years, several other companies have been fined for similar violations. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting consumers from potential harm.
It is crucial for companies in the sports betting and gaming industry to prioritize compliance with regulations in order to avoid costly fines and maintain a positive reputation. By following the rules and obtaining proper licensing, companies can ensure that they are operating legally and ethically.
Overall, the $15,000 fine imposed on Fanatics Betting and Gaming serves as a warning to other companies in the industry to take regulations seriously and prioritize compliance. Massachusetts is dedicated to upholding the integrity of sports betting and gaming, and companies must do their part to ensure that they are operating within the bounds of the law.
