Massachusetts Senate Passes Budget Without Sports Betting, Multiple Bills Remain

Despite the fact that most of New England has either legalized sports betting or is on the verge of doing so, Massachusetts lawmakers have once again chosen not to join in.

Just like the state House did a month ago, the Senate decided to exclude sports betting from the state budget and remove it from the bill when passing their own version this week.

It is highly probable that legislators will have to pass a separate bill to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts this year. Nevertheless, proponents still have reason to be optimistic, as several bills have already been filed, and there is ample time, with over seven months left in the ongoing legislative session.

Sports betting amendments rejected, many bills still in play

The $47.72 billion budget was passed by Massachusetts senators on Thursday, following three days of debate. The Senate’s budget surpasses that of the House, but according to the Boston Herald, it does not include any new taxes or address significant policy changes such as sports betting.

In order to pass a budget together, the next course of action involves both chambers engaging in negotiations to reach a common ground.

Sen. Bruce Tarr’s attempt to legalize retail and online sports betting was among the amendments that were rejected. Tarr’s proposal suggested a tax rate of 10% for retail sports betting revenue and 12.5% for online revenue. Unfortunately for Tarr, this was not the first time his sports betting proposal failed, as a similar outcome occurred last year.

In addition to a variety of other bills, Sen. Paul Feeney’s amendment was also dismissed. Feeney’s suggestion aimed to impose a 14% tax on retail sports betting and an 18% tax on mobile betting. Conversely, Sen. Tarr proposed a ban on wagering on college sports, while Feeney included college sports betting but excluded bets on Massachusetts schools.

During this session, over 20 sports betting bills have been submitted, including proposals from Senators Tarr and Feeney. These bills cover a wide spectrum of tax rates, varying approaches towards college sports betting, and diverse recommendations concerning the allocation of licenses and eligible applicants.

Massachusetts on sports betting sidelines while nearby states forge ahead

Legal sports betting is either already in place or being actively pursued by four additional states in the New England region.

In late 2018, Rhode Island launched its inaugural legal retail sportsbooks and subsequently introduced mobile betting in the following year. Similarly, New Hampshire legalized sports betting and saw the statewide launch of an online sportsbook powered by DraftKings in January 2020, while their first retail sportsbook opened in August last year.

In contrast to Massachusetts, New York legislators made sure to incorporate sports betting into their recent budget. Although numerous specifics are still being determined, it is anticipated that sports betting in New York will be launched in time for the 2021 NFL season.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont recently approved the legalization of sports betting. Although federal approval is needed for amendments to tribal-state compacts, it is anticipated that sports betting will be accessible by September.

Vermont remains the sole state in New England to refrain from sports betting, while Massachusetts also lacks any active participation. Despite unsuccessful attempts in 2020, Vermont lawmakers are making another push this year by introducing a bill exclusively for mobile-based sports betting.