The review of Raynham Park’s Group 2 betting license request for a retail Caesars Sportsbook at its premises has begun.
The proposed Caesars Sportsbook at Raynham Park would be the largest free-standing sportsbook in the United States. It is the latest addition to the growing Massachusetts wagering market.
Here is a closer look at some of the details surrounding the project.
In a store Caesars Sportsbook at Raynham Park
On Monday, Raynham Park and Caesars presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission a detailed plan for the facility they hope will rejuvenate the former Massachusetts horse racing track. In general, the retail sportsbook at Raynham Park will have a lot to offer.
The development plan includes the redevelopment of 85 acres to house the only retail sportsbook in southeast Massachusetts.
The 50,000 square-foot venue will feature 400 TV screens, including four large video walls ranging from 52 to 63 feet wide. A full-service restaurant, conference room, and event hosting venue are also part of the plan.
The new sportsbook will have 40,000 square feet of dedicated sports betting space. The retail sportsbook will have up to five betting windows and 10 betting kiosks.
The retail sportsbook will be operated by Caesars Sportsbook Ma, but licensed by Raynham Park, pending approval from the MGC. It is scheduled to open by NFL kickoff in September.
The Massasoit Greyhound Association, which owns Raynham Park, will be applying for a Category 2 sports betting operator license. In addition to retail betting, customers at the Caesars Sportsbook location will have access to the features Caesars customers have come to know through the mobile sportsbook app. This includes access to live betting, in-game highlights, parlays, and odds boosts.
Additionally, Richard Hession of Caesars explained that the Caesars Rewards loyalty program will be prominently featured in much of the on-site signage and advertising. Customers will be encouraged to download the Caesars app to enable the company to provide the best cross-platform experience. Approximately 65 million people have signed up for the Caesars Rewards program, according to the company.
The proposed Caesars retail sportsbook will offer wagering and pari-mutuel horse racing in an effort to revive the successful era of Raynham Park. In 1989, Raynham Park handled around $240 million in bets.
Members of the MGC visited the site last week before commencing their review of the application on Monday.
Influence on Raynham Area business
Caesars is the largest retail sportsbook operator in the country, with 190 sportsbooks in 25 jurisdictions. The company also operates retail sportsbooks in Puerto Rico and Ontario. The Caesars Sportsbook at Raynham Park will follow the same operating model as other horse racetrack Caesars Sportsbooks across the US, including New Jersey’s Monmouth Park.
In Massachusetts, Caesars estimates that there are up to 5.5 million potential customers within 70 miles of the site. Raynham Park is located only 35 miles from Boston and 56 miles from Worcester.
In terms of staffing, Caesars expects to hire 12 full-time employees for the retail sportsbook. Raynham Park will also add up to 40 surveillance/security staff. The new sportsbook will effectively double the size of the Raynham staff.
The facility will adhere to Caesars’ “Think 30” policy, which means that anyone who appears to be under the age of 30 will be asked to provide an ID. Only individuals who are at least 21 years old will be allowed to enter the facility.
The MGC was guided through a presentation by Caesars and Raynham Park for over an hour on Monday. The commission will vote on the proposal at a future date. It is also possible that the commission will host a public meeting to gather feedback and comments.
Raynham Park record
Raynham Park is a family-owned business that is still controlled by the Carney family. George Carney Jr. and his son Chris, who represents the third generation to oversee the facility, are hoping to usher in a new era of gambling at the historic site.
The park opened in 1940 and was the highest-grossing race track in New England for many years. However, it no longer hosts greyhound dog races due to a statewide ballot initiative that banned the activity over a decade ago. Currently, it offers a simulcast betting facility for horse racing.
Developers highlighted the history that Raynham Park has had with the Massachusetts Lottery. At one point, Raynham was the number one retailer for Massachusetts Lottery tickets. A new retail sports betting venue would include a partnership with the Commonwealth’s popular lottery program.
Dan Sherlock is a Team Writer for PlayMA with plenty of experience under his belt. Dan has authored three books about sports and recently collaborated with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Major League Baseball. He also has extensive experience in the launch of sports betting in other states, including Ohio and Maryland. Currently, Dan resides in Michigan with his family.
