The Senate of Massachusetts has advanced a bill that would make sports betting legal in the state for the first time. Under the terms of this legislation, residents of legal age will be able to wager on professional sports but not on collegiate sports. In July, the state’s House of Representatives decided to legalize sports betting, with 156 votes in favor and only three votes against.

Differences between the House and Senate bills

According to the Senate measure, individuals older than 21 will be able to wager on professional sports at land-based sportsbooks, casinos, slot parlors, mobile and internet casinos, which is expected to generate approximately $35 million in yearly tax revenue. 

It is proposed that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission govern this industry, which would be in charge of monitoring all actions and licensing operators. Aside from that, the Senate bill will establish consumer protection measures to ensure that gamblers are prevented from developing a gambling habit.

The Senate bill, on the other hand, varies from the House measure in a few important areas. First and foremost, the Senate bill has a significantly higher tax rate than the House bill, as well as a whistle-to-whistle ban on betting advertisements during broadcasts. However, the most significant difference is that the House bill allows betting on both collegiate and professional sports, whereas the Senate bill only permits betting on professional sports. 

Senator Mark Montigny expressed his concern about betting on collegiate sports by stating that he hopes the practice would not be permitted. He also indicated that he was initially opposed to casino gambling, but that he “isn’t such a fool” as to continue to stand in the way of the current trend in the industry.

Governor Charlie Baker responded to the controversy by stating that when it comes to “complex pieces of law,” there are always challenges. He also expressed his optimism that the House and the Senate will be able to reach an agreement and pass legislation that will be signed by the end of the legislative session.

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Legalized Sports Betting Counters Black Market

Speaking to the Boston Herald ahead of the vote on Thursday, Senator Jamie Eldridge claimed that, despite the fact that he has previously opposed gambling, he believes that legalizing and regulating online sports betting will be beneficial since it will prevent the illicit market from flourishing. He likened the legalization of sports betting to the recent legalization of marijuana in the state, and he believes that a well-regulated sector will defend the interests of the general public. As a final point, Eldridge stated that the same principle might be applied to collegiate sports betting.

Karen Spilka, the president of the Senate, has come under fire for what appears to be a slowdown in the process of pushing the bill through the Senate, according to some observers. Ronald Mariano, the speaker of the House of Representatives, was one of many who condemned her work. Spilka, on the other hand, remarked on the matter by stating that she wants to ensure that there is unanimity on any law that is introduced under her supervision. Considering that S2844 was passed unanimously, it appears that her approach was fruitful in the long run.