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Can I offer contests that involve international sports in Massachusetts? What are the requirements?
Yes, you can offer contests that involve international sports in Massachusetts, but you must follow certain requirements. According to [1.1], no sports wagering tournament, contest, or pool shall be conducted unless the sports wagering operator files a written request with the Commission to offer that type of tournament, contest, or pool, and the Commission grants the request. The request must provide a detailed description of the type of tournament, contest, or pool and must include the rules of the tournament, contest, or pool, the requirements for entry, the entry fees, the rake, and potential payouts. The request must also indicate whether or not the proposed type involves a shared liquidity pool available to patrons in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions with the prize pool comprising entry fees collected from patrons in multiple jurisdictions.
Once a sports wagering operator receives approval to offer a type of tournament, contest, or pool, the sports wagering operator shall not be required to seek additional approvals from the Commission for each subsequent type that has only variations to the size, number of entries permitted, entry fee, or prize structure, or other minor variations as allowed by the Commission.
Each sports wagering operator must maintain a record of each tournament, contest, or pool it offers, which must address, at a minimum, all of the following:
- Name or identification of the tournament, contest, or pool
- The date and time the tournament, contest, or pool occurred or will occur (if known)
- Relevant Sporting Events and Wager Categories
- Rules concerning play or participation in the tournament, contest, or pool
- For each registered patron:
- The patron’s unique identifier
- The amount of entry fees collected from the patron, including any Promotional Gaming Credits, and the date collected
- The patron’s scorings/rankings
- Any payouts to the patron, including any Promotional Gaming Credits, and the date paid
- Total rake, Commission, or fees collected
- Funding source amount or amounts comprising the prize pool, including buy-ins, re-buys, or add-ons
- Prize structure of payouts
- The methodology for determining winner or winners
- The current status of the tournament, contest, or pool.
The sports wagering operator’s rake collected from patrons located within the Commonwealth who enter a tournament, contest, or pool (less any rake adjustment, if applicable), is sports wagering revenue subject to all taxes and tax requirements outlined in 205 CMR 240: Sports Wagering Revenue Tax Remittance and Reporting.
In addition, [2.1] provides regulations for DFS contests, including restrictions on gameplay by employees and others affiliated with a DFSO, disclosures required of DFSO promoters, and restrictions on gameplay by athletes and others connected with DFS contest outcomes. However, it is important to note that these regulations apply specifically to DFS contests and may not be directly applicable to sports wagering tournaments, contests, or pools.
In summary, to offer contests that involve international sports in Massachusetts, you must file a written request with the Commission and follow the requirements outlined in [1.1]. You must also maintain a record of each tournament, contest, or pool you offer. It is also recommended to review the regulations outlined in [2.1] for DFS contests.
Source(s):
Jurisdiction
Massachusetts