Baker signs sports betting bill into law; regulatory process to take shape

Gov. Charlie Baker signed into legislation a Massachusetts sports activities wagering invoice Wednesday, setting the stage for what will probably be a intently watched regulatory course of over the approaching months after many betting lovers feared it could falter throughout splintered negotiations this summer season.

Baker’s signature finalizes what has been a years-long push to legalize sports activities betting in Massachusetts and produce the state into line with lots of its neighbors. And it comes at some point earlier than a Thursday deadline to take motion on laws Beacon Hill despatched him final week throughout a frenzied finish to formal lawmaking for the yr.

“Our administration first filed laws to legalize sports activities wagering within the Commonwealth a number of years in the past, and I’m glad to have the ability to signal this invoice into legislation in the present day,” Baker mentioned in a press release. “We recognize the dedication and compromise that the Legislature demonstrated on this concern, and we stay up for supporting the work of the Massachusetts Gaming Fee on the accountable implementation of the legislation over the subsequent a number of months.”

However even with Baker’s approval, sports activities betting within the commonwealth is just not prepared for prime time simply but because the Massachusetts Gaming Fee takes the reigns on implementation. It could take till 2023 earlier than folks can place bets inside the state on their Boston sports activities groups.

The Gaming Fee should now solidify laws for the newly authorized state business and course of licensing purposes. A brand new timeline emerged throughout a fee assembly final week after prime lawmakers optimistically predicted betting may very well be rolled out in time for the upcoming soccer season.

Commissioner Brad Hill mentioned regulators needed to “take our time” with implementing the brand new legislation.

“I need the general public to know, as we as commissioners are beginning to perceive, that this isn’t one thing that’s going to occur in a single day,” the previous state consultant mentioned. “I simply need the general public to be clear, at the least from my view — I’m not talking for the entire fee — however from my viewpoint, that is going to take a bit of longer than folks in all probability anticipate. And I’m OK with that.”

A compromise deal on sports activities betting was removed from a assure as lawmakers grappled with divergent stances on tax charges and licensing logistics, amongst different measures. It was a balancing act as in addition they raced towards the clock to hash out variations on an financial growth and tax reduction invoice that in the end did not advance on Beacon Hill.

Talking to reporters Tuesday, Home Speaker Ronald Mariano mentioned it could be “disappointing” if implementation takes too lengthy.

“You’ve obtained two resorts which can be able to open the doorways as rapidly as you possibly can,” he mentioned. “I do know Encore has constructed a room, and I do know MGM is relying on this to extend their backside line. So I hope we are able to get it up and operating … at the least in time for fall soccer.”

Sen. Eric Lesser, who helped negotiate the ultimate invoice, mentioned “sports activities betting is now authorized in Massachusetts!”

“This new legislation will give residents new methods to have interaction with sports activities, generate new jobs and funding, and contains a few of the strongest shopper and participant safeguards within the nation,” he mentioned in a press release. “I’m assured this legislation will probably be a mannequin for different states, and I stay up for seeing its full implementation within the months forward. I’m proud to have been part of the group that labored to ship sports activities betting in Massachusetts.”

The brand new sports activities wagering legislation Baker authorized units a 15% tax price on in-person sports activities betting and 20% for cellular or digital wagering. It additionally permits for some collegiate sports activities betting — a sticking level that led Senate President Karen Spilka and Home Speaker Ron Mariano to publicly spar as their chambers appeared deadlocked in reaching a compromise.

Residents can’t guess on Massachusetts faculties and universities “until they’re concerned in a collegiate event,” in response to the invoice. March Insanity, for instance, is truthful recreation for betting on Massachusetts colleges.

The invoice outlines three licensing classes — in-person wagering at casinos with some digital and cellular software choices, in-person wagering at reside or simulcast horse racing services and absolutely cellular or digital wagering.

Lawmakers integrated what they mentioned have been myriad shopper protections into their invoice like not permitting folks to make use of bank cards to put bets. Licensed cellular purposes and digital platforms should additionally “prominently show” data for an issue playing hotline, which will probably be overseen by the state Division of Public Well being.

Licensed sports activities betting operators will probably be tasked with submitting annual downside gaming plans to the Massachusetts Gaming Fee and should define how they intend to determine patrons with “suspected or identified downside gaming habits,” assist these patrons hook up with sources, and guarantee minors and other people on the self-excluded wagering checklist don’t take part in betting.

Whereas authorized sports activities wagering is just not anticipated to function a serious income stream for the state, lawmakers say it’ll tamp down black market exercise, in addition to guarantee residents will not be pouring cash into neighboring states like Connecticut and New York, the place it’s already authorized.

Sports activities betting may change into extra commonplace all through the commonwealth, significantly at institutions together with eating places, bars, and nightclubs — pending a examine from the Massachusetts Gaming Fee.

By the top of the yr, the fee is required to submit a feasibility report on putting in sports activities wagering kiosks at native retailers, whereas exploring the financial influence, downside playing dangers, and proposals to “guarantee variety, fairness and inclusion are included on this technique of sports activities wagering.”

Proponents of expanded betting at small companies say it’ll additional curb unlawful wagering and provides companies a much-needed monetary jolt after struggling blowbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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