Gambling Interests Urge Mass Actions: Why Delay Your Decision?

Gambling Interests Urge Mass Actions: Why Delay Your Decision?

Massachusetts' Quest to Legalize Sports Betting Remains Frustratingly Elusive

Massachusetts, a state once poised to be at the forefront of legal sports betting, now finds itself among a handful of jurisdictions struggling to reach a consensus on its legislation. While neighboring states like Rhode Island and New Hampshire have already legalized sports betting, Massachusetts continues to face challenges that have delayed its progress.

The Boston Herald recently published a scathing opinion piece, criticizing the state's reluctance to legalize sports betting. The article highlighted the irony that residents wishing to wager on sports must travel to neighboring states, while Massachusetts' motto is "Live Free or Die." [1]

In a joint letter published on Nov. 20, leading industry players such as BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Red Sox expressed their concern at the prospect of missed opportunities. They emphasized that, following the Supreme Court's historic decision in 2018, they have worked diligently with lawmakers for over two years, with the objective absence of any organized opposition. [2]

DraftKings, the Boston-based company which is already the exclusive digital and retail sports betting operator in New Hampshire, has been an active lobbyist in the Massachusetts legislature. [2] Stakeholders, including MLS New England Revolution and the PGA Tour, signed the joint letter, voicing their frustration at the delay. [2]

Despite multiple attempts and seemingly promising compromises, fresh ideas keep popping up, delaying the legislative process. A notable example was the bill that emerged in July, which proposed a tax rate of 15% and required the use of official league data for betting purposes. [2] This bill, originating from the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, has stalled progress once again. [2]

Lawmakers have stayed tight-lipped about the topic, but Massachusetts native Bill Speros, writing for Gambling.com, took a more accusatory tone in an opinion piece published last week. He compared the state's approach to sports betting to the era when the state's Blue Laws prevented citizens from buying liquor on Sundays. [3]

Although numerous states have legalized sports betting since the Supreme Court's decision, Massachusetts remains in a holding pattern. The House approved a sports betting amendment in late July, but without any movement to date, industry sources consider the economic development bill as the last hope for 2020. [2]

The coalition representing the sports industry urged legislators to pass the sports betting legislation as part of the economic development bill, arguing that Massachusetts cannot afford to wait. [2] The impasse seems to be a simple issue of lost momentum, as the groundwork for regulatory frameworks and infrastructure is already in place. [3]

Sources:[1] "It’s time for Massachusetts to legalize sports betting" - The Boston Herald, November 22, 2020[2] "Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act" - Massachusetts Gaming Commission, August 10, 2022[3] "Speros: Massachusetts has become an Orwellian gulag" - Gambling.com, November 21, 2020

1. The under/over in Massachusetts' legislative process for sports betting remains unclear, with a lack of consensus stalling progress.
2. Despite the legalization of sports betting in neighboring Rhode Island and New Hampshire, Massachusetts continues to grapple with this issue.
3. The Boston Herald published a piece questioning why Massachusetts residents must travel for sports betting when their state's motto is "Live Free or Die."
4. Industry players like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Red Sox, have voiced concerns over missed opportunities in sports betting.
5. DraftKings, a Boston-based company, has actively lobbied for sports betting in the Massachusetts legislature.
6. Stakeholders, including MLS New England Revolution, the PGA Tour, and other entities, have expressed frustration at the delay in legalizing sports betting in Massachusetts.
7. A potential solution emerged in July with a bill proposing a 15% tax rate and the use of official league data, but it has since stalled progress.
8. Lawmakers have remained silent on the matter, leading to accusations of a stance reminiscent of the state's Blue Laws restricting liquor sales on Sundays.
9. Numerous states have legalized sports betting since a Supreme Court decision, but Massachusetts remains in limbo.
10. The House approved a sports betting amendment in late July, but without further progress, it's seen as the last hope for 2020.
11. The coalition representing the sports industry is urging legislators to pass the sports betting legislation as part of the economic development bill.
12. With groundwork already laid for regulatory frameworks and infrastructure, the impasse appears to be a simple issue of lost momentum.
13. Education and self-development opportunities extend to sports betting understanding, fostering personal growth.
14. Mindfulness in setting goals, such as saving for a stake, can help manage wagers and promote financial responsibility in sports betting.
15. Productivity in the workplace might increase due to less time spent on illegal sports betting activities.
16. Career development could benefit from improvements in the sports industry, brought by legal sports betting.
17. Policy and legislation affecting sports betting can also impact policy-and-legislation concerning online education, job-search, general news, crime-and-justice, and accidents, including car-accidents, fires, and learning opportunities.

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