It took a bit of time, however Fanatics lastly got an essential approval in Massachusetts that might see the merchandise seller offering online sports betting sites in the state this spring.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) resumed reviewing Fanatics' application for a license to run a mobile sportsbook in the commonwealth this week.

While the evaluation began recently, it got bogged down amid concerns about the business's plans to cross-sell merchandise customers on its new sportsbook.

What's the strategy?

BetFanatics managed to put those issues at ease enough on Thursday to the level that members of the MGC found the operator had met the required criteria and was preliminarily ideal for a license for mobile sports betting in Massachusetts.

The approvals suggest Fanatics can use for a momentary betting license that would enable it to take bets when mobile wagering goes reside in Massachusetts in March.

However, getting to that point needed multiple MGC conferences spread out over two weeks. And, while Fanatics did get the approvals it needs, the commissioners voted to attach an additional condition, which is that the business needs a responsible-gaming plan authorized by its board of directors.

"Everyone else came in and specified as part of their applications and discussions that they had an official RG strategy or policy," Commissioner Eileen O'Brien said on Thursday. "That is totally absent with this candidate."

Womp womp. @Fanatics desires to demonstrate the technology behind its not-yet-launched sportsbook for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission ... however in a closed-door session. pic.twitter.com/icRUAXc94e

That will, however, have to be determined before Fanatics can launch in Massachusetts. The MGC heard on Thursday that such a company-wide strategy would be approved by an Enthusiasts compliance committee instead of the board at big, but the idea was one would be authorized.

Fanatics has yet to begin taking wagers anywhere however has obtained sports-betting licenses in Maryland and Ohio and says it has five other applications pending. The business provided a sneak peek of its betting platform recently however it was in a session closed to the general public.

Still, Thursday's approvals put another sportsbook operator on deck to release in Massachusetts when mobile betting begins, which the MGC hopes will remain in early March. As many as 15 online sports could be taking action in the state under its present law and structure, in addition to retail betting scheduled to start on January 31 at as much as three gambling establishments.

Fanatics is seeking one of the 8 "tethered" licenses for online sports wagering in Massachusetts, which would be linked to Plainridge Park Casino. Seven "untethered" licenses are readily available as well, which are not connected to brick-and-mortar video gaming centers.