Massachusetts Embraces Sports Gambling Legislation

Massachusetts Jumps into Sports Betting Game

Sports lovers in Massachusetts can now place wagers on their favorite teams, thanks to the state's unexpected early launch of sports betting in casinos, just in time for the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. The early debut is expected to generate approximately $60 million in tax revenue annually. However, operators must purchase licenses ranging from $70 to $80 million, with review periods every five years.

Regulation with a Tax Twist

The law regulates sports betting by imposing a 15% tax on in-person betting and a 20% tax on mobile betting. Although college sports betting is allowed, wagering on in-state colleges and universities is allowed only if they are participating in a major tournament, such as the NCAA basketball tournament.

Three casinos—Encore Boston Harbor in Boston, Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, and MGM Springfield—have been equipped with sports betting kiosks for participants who must be at least 21 years old. The long-awaited introduction of sports betting in Massachusetts is set to attract a crowd of bettors in the state.

Late to the Game, but Ready to Play

Even though Massachusetts is late to the sports betting scene, with over 30 states already permitting it, the state is ready for this change. Marlene Warner, CEO of the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, has expressed concern about young men, who are one of the hardest groups to reach for problem gambling assistance. The group plans to hire advisors to help educate casino patrons about winning odds and offer assistance to those struggling with gambling addiction.

A Politician's Perspective

Governor Maura Healey, a supporter of sports betting during her campaign, is excited about the additional revenue. Former Governor Charlie Baker, who signed the bill that legalized sports betting, had previously argued that residents were traveling to other states to place their bets. Baker is now preparing for his new role as President of the NCAA.

The legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts comes over 50 years after the creation of the Massachusetts Lottery, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in 2018 that banning sports betting was unconstitutional. Representatives of professional athletes hope Massachusetts officials will strengthen regulations to protect players and their families from potential threats from individuals betting on games.

Some Interesting Facts

Massachusetts' journey to sports betting legislation began with Sen. Eileen Donoghue's introduction of the first sports betting bill in January 2018, following the U.S. Supreme Court's repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018.
In August 2022, House Bill 5164, the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act, was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker.
Retail sports betting launched in Massachusetts on January 31, 2023, with online sports betting going live on March 10, 2023.

With the onset of sports betting, Massachusetts residents can now place bets on various sports games such as football, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, and tennis.
The introduction of sports betting kiosks in casinos like Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, and MGM Springfield allows sports fans to wager on their preferred teams.
Sports-betting enthusiasts can also participate in college sports betting, but wagers on in-state colleges and universities are only permitted in major tournaments like the NCAA basketball tournament.
The state's sports-betting laws impose a 15% tax on in-person betting and a 20% tax on mobile betting, generating significant tax revenue.
Despite the initial license fees ranging from $70 to $80 million, operators are eager to establish themselves in the sports-betting market.
Given the popularity of racing sports like horse-racing and auto-racing, legislators may consider extending sports betting to these sports in the future.
To combat problem gambling, the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health plans to hire advisors to educate casino patrons about responsible betting and provide assistance to those struggling with gambling addiction.
Legalizing sports betting has prompted concerns from representatives of professional athletes, who hope for stronger regulations to protect players and their families from betting threats.
Massachusetts officials are striving to learn from the experiences of other states, particularly those that have already legalized sports betting, to create fair and effective regulations.
As sports-betting continues to expand in Massachusetts, fans of mixed martial arts and grand prix racing may soon have the opportunity to place wagers on their favorite events.