Massachusetts Governor Unveils Sports Betting ProposalRepublican Governor's Proposal Would Allow For Both In-Person And Online Sports Betting |
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One of the first issues Charlie Baker is going to tackle in his second term as Governor of Massachusetts is legalized sports betting.
Last Thursday, the Republican Governor introduced a proposal that would allow the state’s casino operators to offer legal, regulated sports betting, both on-site and online. Under his proposal, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, who already regulates the casino industry, would have oversight on sports betting as well.
Baker’s plan would tax revenue from on-site wagers at 10 percent and revenue collected from online bets at 12.5 percent.
“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 gaming and illegal activity,” said Baker in a statement.
The proposal would also allow daily fantasy sports operators to obtain a sports betting license. This is music to the ears of Boston-based daily fantasy sports giant DraftKings, who already runs regulated, online sports betting in New Jersey.
“Legal, regulated mobile sports betting provides the best mechanism to not only protect consumers, but to eliminate illegal offshore gambling, ensure game integrity, generate new revenue for the Commonwealth and fuel the growth of Massachusetts’ sports-tech sector,” said James Chisholm, director of global public affairs for DraftKings, in a statement.
DraftKings ran its first-ever Sports Betting National Championship in New Jersey earlier this month, which ended in controversy when its app didn’t grade all of the wagers in time for the final game.
The administration estimates that sports betting would generate $35 million in tax revenue, which the state would redistribute as local aid for cities and towns. It would also tax daily fantasy sports at 12.5 percent.
The plan would not legalize college and amateur sports betting.
This is the latest in the rapid expansion of gaming in Massachusetts. MGM Springfield opened last August and brought the state its first poker room.
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