Raynham Park's Sportsbook Still in Uncertainty Post-Owner's Regulatory Victory
Raynham Park is considering adding retail sports betting at its former greyhound racetrack, though it remains uncertain when this will occur. The track is owned by the Massasoit Greyhound Association, which is controlled by businessman George Carney.
George Carney's son, Chris Carney, held a stake in the racetrack until concerns were raised by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) about his involvement in a state-granted sportsbook license. The MGC's Investigations and Enforcement Bureau reported that Chris Carney had been fined multiple times by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for improper disposal of hazardous construction materials.
The MGC's suitability investigation into the younger Carney revealed these violations, which could render him unsuitable to hold a sports betting license in Massachusetts. On Monday, MGC commissioners debated whether Chris Carney's previous mandatory qualification status for the sportsbook license could be removed. Ultimately, they voted 4-1 to withdraw his qualification, with Commissioner Eileen O'Brien voting against the decision.
O'Brien argued it would be challenging for the state to ensure that Chris had no authority or input on the sports betting operation or to prevent him from discussing the business with family members or other stakeholders. The MGC has not released details of Chris Carney's environmental citations publicly, instead moving into a closed-door executive discussion when the issue was raised.
Carney's attorneys urged the MGC to clarify where the father-son partnership should end. When asked whether Chris's business could still plow snow at the facility, Commissioner Jordan Maynard advised that it would be best if he stopped providing this service.
Chris Carney played a role in securing a retail sportsbook partner for Raynham Park—Caesars Sportsbook. His longtime friend, Dan Shapiro, serves as chief development officer for Caesars Digital, which handles the casino company's online gaming and sports betting division. However, Caesars Sportsbook terminated its partnership with Carney following the MGC's concerns about Chris Carney's suitability.
Caesars Sportsbook already holds a Massachusetts sports betting license through its partnership with Wynn Resorts and Encore Boston Harbor. Wynn recently announced plans to shut down its operations in eight states, although Massachusetts was not included in this decision.
George Carney and the Massasoit Greyhound Association now need to find a new third-party retail sportsbook partner to progress the Raynham Park sports betting application. Carney has already paid the MGC the $200,000 non-refundable fee required for a retail sports betting application.
His proposed sportsbook design features a 30,000-square-foot sportsbook, complete with two restaurants and bars.
Read also:
- Remaining contenders down to two in DFB's struggle versus Brazil.
- Law enforcement agencies in various metropolises plan expansive measures for May 1.
- Berlin Transport Senator Schreiner Steps Down over Doctorate Issues
- The Next Development in the DAZN/DFL Billion Euro Controversy
Source: www.casino.org
