As the coronavirus pandemic is claiming thousands of lives in the US, it might not be feasible for lawmakers to talk about anything but the health crisis. Sen. Brendan Crighton from Massachusetts reiterated this statement, leaving dim hope for the state’s sports betting bill.

Timing matters for the bills

The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies has reviewed five sports betting proposals. One of these proposals was from the state governor. It created a proposal of its own and referred it directly to the House Ways and Means Committee on March 12 and recommend for it to be passed. Interestingly, this happened just one day after the NBA announced that it is suspending its current season owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sen. Brendan Crighton chairs the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and was convinced at the time that the bill will be approved. He was also expecting that it would help create a legalized sports betting market in the state by the end of the year. Crighton now believes that this would be an unlikely outcome.

The situation at hand

The legislature of the state has not debated on the sports betting bill yet and their energies are currently directed towards the health crisis. The chances of a debate taking place by year-end also look slim. Crighton still expects that the legislature could extend its legislative season past July 31 as well. He said that there is little chance that the legislators will keep the sports betting bill as a priority at this moment because of the drastic economic impact on the state.

The Senator suggests that the governor’s bill does not allow wagering on college sports. However, it would be tough for regulators and operators to bring people to the regulated market if they are not allowed to bet on college sports. Note that collegiate events are popular amongst punters across the US. The committee adds wagering on NCAA Division I which could be a good addition to the governor’s plans.

H4559 plans to legalize sports betting in the state in three properties- a slot parlor casino and two resort casinos. It also makes provisions for 5 online sports betting licenses. It also aims to encourage operators to reopen their facilities with specific horse racing track licenses. It also proposes an integrity hotline that will be accessible by all sporting personalities, from team members to coaches and athletes.