Gov. Baker Signs MA Sports Betting Bill: What's Next

BOSTON, MA — Don't place a bet on tonight's Red Sox vs. Braves game just yet.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday signed a new sports betting bill, making the gambling practice legal in Massachusetts after years of negotiations. The state Legislature passed the bill during a marathon end to the regular session earlier this month.

Lawmakers believe sports betting could bring in some $60 million in revenue each year, but a regulatory scheme could take at least several months to set up.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will take the reins on setting up rules for sports betting in the state. The commission will also have to hand out licenses to sports books, which will add time to the process.

Some gambling outfits have been prepared for a long time to accept bets. The MGM Springfield casino in Springfield in August 2021 opened a 70-seat luxury sports betting room in anticipation of legalization. The Plainridge Park and Encore casinos will also be allowed to have sports betting, and the state will offer seven licenses for online sports betting.

Once betting begins, the new law will charge a 15 percent in-person tax rate on bets, and 20 percent on bets placed online. Almost half of those proceeds will go to the state's general fund

"We appreciate the dedication and compromise that the Legislature demonstrated on this issue, and we look forward to supporting the work of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on the responsible implementation of the law over the next several months," Baker said after signing the bill on Wednesday.

Massachusetts is the second-to-last state in New England to have legal sports betting. Vermont remains the only holdout.