Massachusetts regulators on Thursday unanimously approved Encore Boston Harbor's application for the state's first sports wagering operator license.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission said it voted to approve the license following a presentation and review of the casino's application. Encore officials will still need to obtain a certificate of operations and comply with regulatory conditions before bets can officially begin, the MGC said in a statement.

After years of discussion and jockeying on Beacon Hill, the Legislature passed the bill legalizing sports betting on Aug. 1. Several months of rule writing and application periods followed.

MGC officials previously set a goal to launch retail sports wagering at the state's three casinos in January. That would allow in-person wagering to begin in time for the Super Bowl, and mobile digital betting is expected to follow in March.

"More information on a universal launch day for retail sports betting will be released in the coming weeks," officials wrote.

Other applicants in the same category as Encore have not yet received approval. The commission deferred its vote Tuesday on the application from Plainridge Park Casino and postponed a vote Wednesday on MGM Springfield's application.

https://www.wcvb.com/article/encore-boston-harbor-awarded-massachusetts-first-sports-wagering-operator-license/42192421#:~:text=Massachusetts%20regulators%20on%20Thursday%20unanimously,review%20of%20the%20casino's%20application.