A meeting of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) saw a deeper dive into several US integrity talking points, specifically after requests for Dana White’s Power Slap and Pro League Networks SlapFIGHT to the commission.
The panel agreed that betting on the newly formed sport is not likely to be a betting sport in Massachusetts any time soon.
Currently, only Wyoming offers sports betting on Power Slap, which recently agreed a lucrative new deal with network Rumble and has been a key focus for UFC President White.
“I found the whole power slap thing to be quite disturbing. And I just could not see myself supporting betting on such an event. It’s as clear and cut dry as that,” said Commissioner Bradford Hill.
“I stand where Commissioner Hill does on [Power Slap] and [SlapFIGHT] that, at a time when we’re learning about head injury and impact etcetera, that [they] would even be on this list is appalling to me,” added Commissioner Eileen O’Brien.
“I would say that I see no benefit to the Commonwealth that could outweigh any of the risks and the harms,” said Commissioner Jordan Maynard. “Absolutely no.”
Commissioner Nakisha Skinner and Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein agreed and both leagues were unanimously shot down for inclusion in the catalogue.
Others, such as mini golf and pro skateboarding, ended in a stalemate, as some commissioners didn’t want anyone but operators petitioning to add sports to the betting catalogue.
Skinner abstained, creating a 2-2 deadlock that resulted in denied motions. However, based on the conversation at the meeting, should a licensee in the state bring the sport to the commission, there could be an opportunity for inclusion in the future.The mini golf offering is another product from Pro League Network, who is trying to fill the rather slow summer sports calendar with interesting alternative sports to augment sportsbook’s offerings. DraftKings has offered lines on SlapFIGHT in some jurisdictions, while others, like Carjitsu, are looking to gain more traction with regulators.
