Massachusetts Fines Fanatics Betting and Gaming $15K For Improper Bet

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 SportsFanatics Betting and Gaming has been fined $15,000 by the Massachusetts Gaming CommissionThe investigations and enforcement bureau suggested the fine after Fanatics incorrectly took a bet on an in-state college last DecemberA 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.