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The expectation was that a physical Massachusetts sportsbook would open someday at Raynham Park. When that day might come is still unknown but other questions about sports betting at the track now have answers.
Caesars will operate the in-person sports betting operations in Raynham as soon as it has legal clearance to do so. The deal gives Caesars an even stronger presence in the state and further completes the Massachusetts sports betting puzzle.
Raynham Park sportsbook now has a brand identity
According to a Monday press release, Caesars and Raynham Park have struck a new partnership to eventually open a 30,000-square-foot retail sportsbook on the track’s grounds. The facility will be free-standing, however, instead of contained within any existing structures at the track.
At the same time, the two parties plan to offer a temporary sports betting location while construction is ongoing. The release states that the temporary venue will open as soon as regulators allow. There is currently no official timeline for when that might occur.
Raynham Park has not yet completed its sports betting license application. With this deal with Caesars now in place, that could occur quickly, though. The press release says Caesars expects to complete construction on the permanent sportsbook “by the middle of this year.”
The release does not include any information about how many windows the permanent or temporary location will offer to bettors. Additionally, information about any other amenities at either venue is unofficial.
This deal between Caesars and Raynham Park only covers in-person gambling on sports, as Raynham Park already has a partnership with Bet365 for its online sports betting business.
Caesars’ foray into Massachusetts is nearly complete. Likewise, the opportunities to get in on legal sports betting in Bay State are nearly spent.
What this deal means for Caesars in Massachusetts
Caesars already had a deal to get its online sportsbook into the state with Encore Boston Harbor. It is awaiting final regulatory approval to launch, likely coming sometime in March 2023. Additionally, the online Caesars Racebook app is already available for Bay Staters.
Considering this deal with Raynham Park, all Caesars lacks in Massachusetts is a brick-and-mortar casino. A change in that situation anytime soon seems improbable, though. There is no push in Massachusetts to authorize a fourth physical commercial casino and the current operators seem entrenched.
It does not appear that Raynham Park will have its temporary retail sportsbook ready to go with others on Jan. 31. The launch could happen soon thereafter, though. When it does, it will mean that four of the five allocated physical sportsbooks are operational in Massachusetts.
All that remains at this point is confirmation of similar plans at the other horse racing track in the state, Suffolk Downs. Given that Raynham Park is now out of the gate, there could be more pressure on Suffolk Downs to keep pace.
