Jake Paul appeared at the MGC meeting to answer a bunch of questions as the organizer evaluated Petr’s Massachusetts online sports licensing application. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Get a grill
It appears that popular social media personality and Betr co-founder Jake Paul has successfully addressed the concerns of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). The 25-year-old answered a variety of questions on Tuesday from commissioners, including questions about an FBI visit to his residence and some other controversial aspects of his life.
Specific, direct questions about stories about Paul that have appeared in celebrity media
MGC convened the meeting to evaluate Petr’s application for an independent sports betting license in Massachusetts. The commissioners often asked specific, direct questions about stories about Paul that appeared in celebrity news outlets.
He was forthright when answering questions, admitting to making mistakes over the years while growing up in the spotlight. He noted that he had never received a criminal conviction and that commissioners must differentiate between his reputation on social media and his track record in the real world.
As part of the closing statement, Commissioner Jordan Maynard noted: “We ask tough questions and we examine, sometimes we probe too much.” Commissioner Elaine O’Brien emphasized how Peter’s application was somewhat unique and had aspects that needed thorough examination. She didn’t think the questioning went too far because “appropriateness is such a serious issue.”
Big plans for Peter
Petr co-founder Joey Levy was also present at the meeting, providing a timeline for the company’s planned launch. He said that Betr intends to launch its fantasy sports offering in more than 30 states in the coming months and has plans to start offering iGaming at some point.
Betr aims to stand out from typical sports betting by offering a micro betting product in which bettors place live bets during the course of a game, such as betting on the outcome of the next play.
The only state where the Betr Sportsbook currently runs is Ohio, where it runs at the beginning of the year. It has pending orders in Virginia, Indiana, Maryland and Massachusetts.
Sports betting takes place in Massachusetts
Betr is one of six applicants for an unrestricted online sports betting license in Massachusetts. MGC hopes all applications will be fully reviewed by the first half of next week. It will then detect successful applicants and obtain initial approval. Other applicants who have gone through reviews so far are FanDuel and Bally’s, with DraftKings, Digital Gaming and PointsBet scheduled to meet in the coming days.
Online betting to be able to go live early March
Most of the online sportsbook operators that will be associated with the three commercial casinos in the state have already obtained licenses. Fanatics is the main exception, with another review deemed necessary. The current plan is for retail sportsbooks to open on January 31st and online sportsbooks to be able to go live in early March.
