Massachusetts‘ regulator says sports betting may not begin until 2023. Lawmakers negotiated a last-minute deal to allow the activity this week, but the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has tempered expectations.

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Gov. Charlie Baker has until August 11 to approve legislation allowing sports betting in the Bay State. During a virtual public meeting, gaming commissioners warned of regulatory difficulties before citizens may gamble. Commissioner Brad Hill said adopting a new wagering sector won’t “happen overnight” and that regulators need to “take their time” to get it right. Bay State lawmakers reached a last-minute accord on sports betting early Monday as official lawmaking ended. The law permits professional and college sports betting. In-person betting will be taxed at 15% and mobile betting at 20%.

Negotiators upheld a Senate plan to restrict credit cards for betting but rejected a ban on sports betting advertising during live broadcasts. Seven online sports betting licenses will be issued to casinos and racetracks. Since the Legislature passed the law, all eyes have been on Gov. Baker, who is anticipated to sign it but hasn’t said when. Two state senators who pushed for legalizing said this week they believed betting will start this autumn, in time for football. Thursday’s Gaming Commission meeting suggests the process might take months, perhaps until next year. Jordan Maynard noted that although the commission’s staff has been preparing for sports betting, the law would “take some time.”

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Gaming Commission begins the Outlining of Application Procedures

It is said licensing and certification are required. The Gaming Commission has begun outlining an application procedure for prospective licensees, with a three- to six-month schedule. The application process might take a few months, depending on what commissioners include. The committee will also prepare a list of prospective laws to act as a how-to handbook for sports betting firms. Caitlin Monahan, deputy general counsel, said commission lawyers have proposed 225 rules. These laws include how bets are placed, technical requirements, and the application procedure. Given the enormous list, attorneys established a three-tier framework to prioritize rules.

Also on Thursday, commissioners said the regulator shouldn’t sacrifice “integrity requirements” to speed up the process, and the commission decided unanimously to form a new sports wagering branch. Karen Wells, MGC executive director, is hiring a division head. MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein hopes to arrange a roundtable meeting with the state’s top gaming stakeholders after sports betting is legalized to hear their ideas for the impending market. Casino interests in the state pushed for sports betting legalization, saying the ban hurts their operations.