Senate Removes Massachusetts Sports Betting Amendment

We are getting a lot of updates on how US states are embracing sports betting as a way to generate revenue for the state. Especially those who are deeply affected by the coronavirus. And as gambling industry news analysts were expecting, Massachusetts legislators still do not want to use sports betting to generate income for the state’s coffers. Just like that, any chance of seeing a Massachusetts sports betting industry this year is gone.

A lot of bookie pay per head sportsbooks are already seeing an increase in activity. As now, a lot of sports events are slowly resuming. In fact, in some states where online sports betting are legal, experts still saw millions in wagers being made. This is even without the major sports leagues yet.

Massachusetts Sports Betting

The efforts made by legislators to allow sports betting in the state was included in the economic bill passed by the Senate. However, the amendment to include sports betting was not included. This will be a huge blow to the state. Sports betting can definitely help generate income in the form of taxes to help with budget deficits due to the pandemic.

Now, the House also passed a bill with similar intentions. But, sports betting is included in their version. Because of this difference, the bills will need to be reconciled first. This is done before they forward it to the Governor.

US Sports Betting

There are quite a lot of pay per head sportsbooks with American players. Even before sports betting was legalized in the country, many people opted to go to sportsbooks so they can win money and have fun in the process. After the PASPA repeal, states were dealing with betting legislation on a per state basis. But some states are doing quite well- you have Nevada, New Jersey, and Philadelphia as prime examples. But their legislation is far more better than New England states’. So far only New Hampshire and Rhode Island offer sports betting in the state. But their options are far fewer. If it somehow passes, any bill that would allow betting in the state will make Massachusetts the third state in New England to allow sports betting.