DraftKings might have its headquarters in Boston, but that didn’t stop the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) from putting the kibosh on the sports betting firm’s plan to allow legal betting on the 2023 Boston Marathon.
The MGC on Thursday denied DraftKings’ request as all four members of the commission voted against it, citing concerns by the organizers of the world-famous 26-mile, 385-yard road race.
MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein shared an email from Scott Stover, chief marketing officer for the operators of the marathon, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).
The email stated that at this juncture there wasn’t enough time for the BAA and its third parties “to coordinate and fully ensure proper protocols are in place to support such a proposal for wagering on our event.”
BAA’s concerns include “ensuring event security[…]”
Stover’s email continued that until his body can complete the proper checks, the BAA’s concerns include “ensuring event security and potential influence on the outcome of the race.”