New Report Outlines Issues Around Regulating Sports Betting

BOSTON (Associated Press) — Massachusetts gambling regulators are releasing a report looking at the legalization of sports gambling in the state.

The state Gaming Commission on Thursday issued a "white paper" that highlights some of the issues Massachusetts lawmakers might have to consider as they weigh legalizing sports betting.

The issues include how much to tax the games, addressing gambling addiction, assuring consumers are protected and providing legal alternatives to black market online and smartphone apps for sports betting.

State lawmakers are weighing a bill that would convene a special commission to propose legislation to regulate sports betting in the event the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the federal ban, known as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.

The high court is currently weighing a case brought by the state of New Jersey.