DraftKings can't take bets on Boston Marathon, gaming commission rules
BOSTON - DraftKings wants to take bets on the Boston Marathon, but the Massachusetts Gaming Commission said no.
The Boston-based gaming company asked the commission for permission less than two weeks before the race on April 17.
The commission voted overwhelmingly 4-0 against the request at its meeting Thursday afternoon.
In their request, DraftKings wanted to allow bets on the top 20 professional runners in the men's and women's divisions and an over-under on winning times.
"DraftKings is continuously looking to offer our customers a safe and robust menu of betting markets across the biggest events in sports and we are actively working with regulators to bring the Boston Marathon to our sportsbook," a spokesperson told WBZ-TV before the vote.
The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the marathon, had a statement read at Thursday's meeting. The B.A.A. said there was no outreach and with the race just days away, it's just too soon to add the marathon to the sportsbook.
"With 11 days to go until the 127th Boston Marathon, our focus remains on creating the best event experience for our participants, volunteers, spectators, and community members. We'll have no further comment at this time," the B.A.A. said in a statement after the vote.
Paul Barrett, a former director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority under Mayor Ray Flynn, recalled the push to make the marathon a prize money race for the top finishers back in the mid-1980's.
He sees this push for people to be able to place wagers on the winners as a step that could add a new twist to the race.
"I think it adds a little bit more interest to it, get people to do a little bit more research about who's running, rather than just have some nameless people from around the world that are coming here," he told WBZ-TV.
Near the Boston Marathon finish line, people had mixed reactions to the decision.
"Why not? If we're betting on everything else, might as well bet on something that is a race," one man said.
"It's kind of hypocritical to me," added another.
Cancer survivor Jordana Shief-Needle agreed with the decision, saying the race should remain focused on the charitable aspect.
"This year I think it makes sense to just let the focus be on the people who have been preparing to run the marathon," she said.
