MA Sports Betting: Baker Introducing Legislation To Legalize It

Gov. Charlie Baker will file legislation Thursday to make Massachusetts the second state in New England to legalize sports betting. Baker's said his legislation would allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to license the three Bay State casinos to offer sports betting, while daily fantasy sports companies could offer online betting.

Betting would be limited to professional sports only. There would be no betting on amateur, college or high school sports.

The three casinos are in Springfield, Plainridge and soon-to-be Everett.

"Expanding Massachusetts’ developing gaming industry to include wagering on professional sports is an opportunity for Massachusetts to invest in local aid while remaining competitive with many other states pursuing similar regulations," Baker said in a press release. "Our legislation puts forth a series of commonsense proposals to ensure potential licensees are thoroughly vetted and safeguards are in place to protect against problem gambling and illegal activity. We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to pass this bill into law."

The Supreme Court last spring gave states the option to institute legalized sports betting.

Baker said the proposal would generate $35 million in revenue for Fiscal Year 2020, money that all Massachusetts cities and towns would see.

Applying for the initial license would be $100,000, with the funds supporting the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's administration of the process. The licensing fee would be at least $500,000 and need to be renewed every five years.

In-person sports betting licenses would be taxed 10 percent, while online licenses would be taxed 12.5 percent.

Rhode Island recently became the first New England state to legalize sports betting.

Two other lawmakers, Sen. Brendan Crighton of Lynn and Rep. Dan Cullinane of Boston, have filed bills to legalize sports betting.

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