Massachuttess is the most populated state in New England. Therefore lawmakers are looking to set a standard when it comes to legalized sports betting.
There is currently a hand full of state bills that are in committee that if passed, would legalize domestic sports betting in the state of Massachuttes. The problem seems to be agreeing on what to allow and how the industry should be regulated.
One of the main issues of debate is college sports betting. Massachuttes Governor Charlie Baker has proposed his sports betting bill that defines regulation and prohibits betting on college sports.
Other lawmakers are arguing that banning college sports from domestic sports betting locations only fuels offshore sportsbooks and illegal bookies. There have been several proposals to amend Governor Baker’s bill, but so far lawmakers have not been able to agree. One compromise includes allowing college sports but not accepting bets on Massachuttes schools.
Senator Brendan Crighton has also submitted a sports betting bill to the state legislature that includes a ban on Massachuttes schools. Sen. Crighton stated to reporters that he feels like the state won’t be able to compete with other legal markets unless they allow betting on college sports.
There are currently three licensed gaming operators in Massachuttes that could offer sports betting: MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park and Casino, and Encore Boston Harbor. Each of the three casinos has said they support sports betting on college sports but would draw the line on high school sports.
Back in May, the three gaming operators testified to the committee regarding domestic sports betting to plead for online sportsbooks. They submitted a joint testimony stating that they think they should be the sole operators for in-person sports betting and that mobile sports betting should be reserved for themselves and several fantasy sports operators.
Massachuttes is clearly on their way to legalizing sports betting throughout the state, but there are still some hurdles that have to be compromised. The Governor clearly supports domestic sports betting, and the Economic Development Committee is also on board. Lawmakers are hoping to come to a compromise and to have a sports betting bill passed before the end of the 2019 legislative season.
