DraftKings has been rebuffed in its attempts to take bets on this year’s Boston Marathon after the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) objected.
The online sportsbook hoped to offer a winner, top 20 finish and over/under bets on the famous race, which takes place on Presidents’ Day each year.
The Boston Marathon attracts 500,000 spectators, making it the most widely viewed sporting event in New England.
Boston-based DraftKings aimed to capitalize upon the race’s popularity by taking bets on the top 20 men & women professional winners and men & women winning time (over/under) for wagering.”
The BAA did not rule out betting on the marathon in the future, but it said this year’s race – which takes place on April 17 – has come around too soon.
“Without time to undergo analysis and proper due diligence, we are concerned about how such an expedited approval would potentially impact the event,” said BAA chief marketing officer Scott Stover.
“Until we can complete due diligence, our concerns include, but are not limited to, ensuring event security and potential influence on the outcome of the race.”
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission took those points on board and voted 4-0 against DraftKings adding the Boston Marathon to its sports betting menu in the immediate future, but it could try again next year.
Commissioner Eileen O’Brien said: “The concerns they raised about the integrity, the parameters, the trademark issues, to me make it clear that this shouldn’t be in the catalog.”
