The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has appointed Bruce Band to lead its new sports betting division. The MGC intends to launch retail sports betting at category 1 licensees on January 31, with online and mobile wagering scheduled to follow in March.
In addition to overseeing the new sports wagering division, Band will coordinate with other divisions within the MGC including research and responsible gaming, IT, legal, and the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau.
The appointment took place at the regulator’s latest meeting, in which Fanatics was also granted a sports betting license. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the sports apparel giant for a category 3 sports betting operator license, which will be tethered to Plainridge Park Casino‘s Category 1 sports wagering license.
Cathy Judd-Stein, MGC chair, said: “Bruce has been an essential member of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission team for nearly a decade, and on behalf of my fellow commissioners, I am thrilled he will be taking on this new role leading our sports wagering division.”
“Because Bruce has been working closely on the implementation of sports wagering already, he won’t miss a beat as he begins his new responsibilities and prioritizes the integrity of sports wagering and the safety of patrons here in the Commonwealth,” she added.
Executive Director Karen Wells
The Massachusetts State Legislature passed, and former Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation legalizing sports wagering in August 2022. As he works to stand up sports wagering in the Commonwealth, Band will report to Executive Director Karen Wells and the Commissioners.
“Bruce is someone who gets the work done and I think his past track record of opening the three casinos here on time with integrity demonstrates his ability to do this role,” Wells added.
Band has worked in the gambling industry for over 40 years and has served as assistant director of the MGC investigations and Enforcement Bureau and Gaming Agents Division chief since 2014. Prior to this, he worked in various roles at the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.