Massachusetts may soon have legal, regulated sports betting, thanks to an assist from an economic development package making its way through the state Legislature. Steph Solis of MassLive.com reported Friday that the House plans to fast-track a sports betting proposal by rolling it into the economic development bill.
If the bill gets through with the sports betting measure included, Massachusetts would become the 23rd U.S. jurisdiction to legalize sports betting, joining 21 other states and Washington, D.C. Eighteen of those jurisdictions are currently operational.
Why now for Massachusetts sports betting?
Massachusetts is a sports-mad state, no question, so legalizing sports betting certainly makes sense. But as prominent gaming law and sports betting attorney Daniel Wallach pointed out, some neighborly competition also likely keyed the push.
“With both New Hampshire and Rhode Island now offering mobile wagering, Massachusetts could not really afford to stand on the sidelines much longer,” Wallach told Covers on Friday night. “Sports bettors in the Commonwealth are not simply going to sit around and wait for Massachusetts to pass a sports betting law. They now have other legal options a short driving distance away.”
Will Massachusetts sports betting have an integrity fee?
It appears that answer could be yes, which probably won’t sit well with sportsbook operators. However, Wallach pointed out that there are some differences from “integrity fees” previously proposed – and knocked down – in other jurisdictions.
Wallach said the Massachusetts proposal includes a venue-specific integrity fee of 1 percent, payable directly to the operators of in-state sports venues, rather than to the sports leagues. Furthermore, in a twist that might help calm sportsbook operators’ nerves, that 1 percent fee would only apply to gross gaming revenue from wagers on sporting events held at Massachusetts venues.
“Excluded from the calculation would obviously be a local team’s road games, as well as any other athletic events taking place out of state, such as the Super Bowl or NCAA basketball tournament,” Wallach said.
So the fee exemption would also apply to the complete slate of NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and NCAA events not involving any Massachusetts teams, and to myriad other league’s sporting events held elsewhere.
“The 1 percent fee would end up being a much smaller net number when excluding out-of-state events, which constitute the lion’s share of the betting,” Wallach said.
Where can I bet on sports?
Several U.S. jurisdictions offer legal, regulated sports betting via online books and casinos. Check out the best sportsbooks available where you live.
