Massachusetts Adds Sports Betting To Economic Development Bill

• A proposal for online sportsbooks that will not be affiliated with a land-based sportsbook has been added to an already advancing economic bill.
• The economic bill will help with many initiatives to help create and find jobs for residents of Massachusetts.
• The addition of the sports betting proposal can help the state economy and make MA the 23rd state with legal sports betting.

BOSTON – Members of the Massachusetts House have decided to add legislation to a bill moving through the state government that would allow online sports betting that is not attached to land-based casinos.

The plan is to add the sports betting proposal to a current $375 million economic development bill that would fund local important initiatives such as job training, and child care.

The bill is also for grants for small business owners, public schools, climate resiliency projects in rural communities, tourism initiatives, and other programs to create jobs for Massachusetts residents.

“There are things in that larger piece of legislation that those legislators want, things for their district that’s important to them,” said Tony Cignoli a political analyst with knowledge on sports betting negotiations. “They wind up voting for the sports betting piece too as a necessary vehicle for them to get what they need in that package.”

Governor Charlie Baker proposed a bill in January of 2019 to allow for sports gambling online without a brick and mortar affiliate.

The idea of a standalone online sports betting opportunity was in motion before the pandemic but is perfect for the current state of the country.

Lawmakers are indicating that adding the sports betting proposal fits well with the economic ideas because legal online sports betting can help boost the economy from the coronavirus pandemic fallouts.

Massachusetts is facing a big budget deficit because of COVID-19 shutdowns including a loss of millions of dollars in casino gambling revenue.

Potential revenue will be a driving force for the legalizing sports betting and if passed, the state will become the 23rd state including Washington DC to provide sports betting as a form of legal gambling to its residents and tourists.