Majority Of Massachusetts Senate Supports Legal Sports Betting

The state House and Governor Charlie Baker have shown support for Massachusetts sports betting bills. Nevertheless, the Massachusetts Senate has yet to weigh in on the matter, resulting in no proposed bills making it to the finish line.

The State House News Service (SHNS) recently conducted a survey involving all 40 Massachusetts senators, revealing that most of them are in favor of the legalization of sports betting.

Recent bills have fallen flat

Lawmakers in Massachusetts have been grappling with the vexing issue of sports betting in the state, leading to frustration. Several bills have been presented and successfully cleared in the state House, only to hit a roadblock in the Massachusetts Senate, resulting in a standstill.

In July of last year, the House passed the sports betting bill H 3993 with an impressive 156-3 majority vote. However, since then, the bill has been awaiting action in the Senate Ways and Means committee.

Shortly after the initial bill was introduced to the senate, Senator Eric Lesser promptly sponsored another bill, known as S 269. The bill gained approval from the Economic Development Committee and was subsequently sent to the senate. However, no further progress or updates have been observed regarding its advancement.

In March, House Speaker Ron Mariano expressed his frustration regarding the Senate’s persistent unwillingness to address the bill.

Approximately four years ago, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker disclosed that he had submitted a sports betting bill. The legislation drew inspiration from the legal framework for sports wagering implemented by the state of New Jersey.

“In regards to the bill I filed,” he stated, “whether it’s that or an alternative version, I believe it’s now an undeniable reality.”

Massachusetts losing revenue to neighbors

Additionally, Baker expresses his frustration over the fact that Massachusetts residents are left with no choice but to travel to nearby states in order to legally place sports bets.

He expressed his disappointment that many people in Massachusetts simply cross the border to engage in a different form of entertainment, considering it unfortunate.

The Massachusetts Senate has been uncertain about its position on the bills for legal sports betting since last July. Michael Rodrigues, Chairman of Ways and Means, explained that the senate is currently striving to understand and evaluate the various proposals on the table.

Karen Spilka, the President of the Massachusetts Senate, has been ambiguous in her statements regarding the legalization of sports betting. Back in January, she discussed the Senate’s agenda and mentioned that the bills would undergo careful examination.

She informed, “There are individuals who want to do it, while others are unsure about their desire to do it. Nevertheless, we will be examining it together with the senators.”

Poll shows 60% Massachusetts Senate support for sports betting

The survey conducted in March by the SHNS brings hope that sports betting in Massachusetts may gain momentum.

Inquired by the survey were the following questions: “Are you in favor of legalizing sports betting in any way in Massachusetts? If so, what specific approach?” A total of 24 senators provided their responses to the survey, expressing support for legalized sports betting or having sponsored sports betting bills in the past.

A total of eight senators opted not to provide any comments regarding the survey, remained noncommittal on the matter, or expressed their uncertainty. Additionally, certain senators, including Spilka, chose not to respond to the survey at all.

Spilka expressed her desire to witness a “consensus of some kind” among state senators before advancing a bill in the senate, in response to House Speaker Mariano’s remarks in March about his frustration.

Supporters reference increased revenues

A number of surveyed senators have voiced their worries about the detrimental impact of sports betting delays on state revenue, with potential losses being a major concern.

Senator Diana DiZoglio is an advocate for the legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts, as she represents regions neighboring New Hampshire where this activity is already permitted.

She mentioned that people in New Hampshire are conveniently placing their sports bets by simply driving or walking across the border for a few minutes. This ongoing trend has been causing a considerable financial loss for Massachusetts while benefiting New Hampshire.

Senator Michael Brady expressed his disappointment over the missed opportunity for Massachusetts to generate revenue from Super Bowl 2022.

He said, “I believe we failed to seize the opportunity when Tom Brady, despite playing for Tampa Bay, reached the Super Bowl there.”

He further mentioned that a significant number of the constituents in his district are in favor of legalizing sports betting.

He expressed that the residents of the towns I represent, including the City of Brockton, are seeking increased revenue.

Other senators mentioned the potential for more job openings and additional opportunities that would arise from the legalization of sports betting.

According to Senator Marc Pacheco, the proposed legislation would enable Massachusetts residents to partake in an enjoyable activity, generate fresh avenues for our state’s economy, and offer valuable resources to aid crucial state initiatives and programs.

Some Senators still have concerns

Although most Senators polled voiced their support for sports betting, a few still had reservations regarding the uncertainties associated with the proposed bills.

Senator Will Brownsberger expressed potential support for a sports wagering bill, though he did voice some concerns.

He stated that while he has no objections to sports betting in principle, there remain numerous unanswered queries regarding the range of activities suitable for it. These include the establishment, regulation, and distribution of the revenue it generates.

Furthermore, Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz emphasized that her primary objective regarding sports betting is to ensure its economic advantages extend to all communities.

She expressed that her primary focus would be on making our tax code more progressive rather than regressive. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of economic development initiatives benefiting communities that are often overlooked.

A number of senators have expressed their intention to withhold their support or opposition until they have the bill in front of them. The possibility of sports betting in Massachusetts is likely to trigger legislative progress in 2022.