Recent departures from eight states have raised concerns about the future prospects of the WynnBET brand. The online gambling venture of Wynn Resorts appears to be making plans to exit the Massachusetts market, according to a recent announcement by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).
In preparation for an upcoming meeting, the MGC disclosed its agenda, which includes discussions about betr and WynnBET’s requests to withdraw from the market. The agenda entry specifies WynnBET’s Notice of Intent to Cease Operations and requests for approval of a cessation plan and waiver.
This development has amplified worries about the sustainability of WynnBET, especially considering its struggles to replicate the success of Wynn Resorts’ retail business. Despite announcing a focus on states where it already operates retail outlets, Wynn Resorts’ decision to exit multiple states, including Massachusetts, has cast doubts on the online brand’s viability.
WynnBET’s challenges stem partly from its parent company’s reluctance to actively compete in the markets it serves, hindering its ability to capture significant market share. While there’s speculation that Wynn Resorts’ potential acquisition of a downstate New York casino permit could bolster WynnBET’s prospects, the brand may face further exits, with Michigan being a potential candidate following reviews of operations in New York and Michigan.
Similarly, betr, a Miami-based newcomer in the US sports betting scene, has announced its intention to withdraw from the Massachusetts market by year-end due to difficulties in gaining traction. The struggles of betr and questions surrounding the viability of micro-betting models highlight the challenges faced by emerging players in the competitive betting landscape.
In contrast, the Massachusetts Gambling Commission reported robust industry metrics for December, underscoring the dynamic nature of the gambling market in the region.