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Bill to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts cannot get hearing
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24 senators support legalizing sports betting, another 20 either had no opinion or failed to respond
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28% of Super Bowl bettors in New Hampshire had a Massachusetts address.
Massachusetts remains one of the only New England states not to have legalized sports gambling. While efforts to allow it were supposed to be a priority, the bill has failed to secure a Senate hearing.
A total of 20 senators were asked to respond to a State House News Service in order to determine their position on the subject. 60% of state senators support legalized sports wagering in the state, another eight said they were either undecided or would not comment. A dozen senators failed to respond.
“The sports betting bill has been in discussion in the Legislature for quite a while, and I am surprised that we have not gotten anything done with this legislation up to this point," Sen. Ryan Fattman said. "In a state where the largest online sports betting company got its start, it doesn’t make sense to continue to delay this bill and miss out on all the opportunities that legalized sports betting could bring to the Commonwealth.”
Sen. Diana DiZoglio expressed concern over loss of potential tax revenue to other neighboring states, specifically New Hampshire. According to DraftKings, 28% of Super Bowl bettors in New Hampshire had a Massachusetts address.
“I’m supportive. I represent border communities in the Merrimack Valley where folks are placing their sports bets in New Hampshire by taking a few short minutes to drive or walk across the border. This continues to result in a significant revenue loss for Massachusetts and gain for New Hampshire.”
Rhode Island offers limited sports betting and was among the first of the US states to do so following a Supreme Court ruling that abolished prior prohibition.
Connecticut and New Hampshire offer more extensive sports wagering, both retail and mobile. Neither allows betting on in-state schools or games that feature them.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
