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Second term Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker Massachusetts.
No amateur sports betting
Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, states have the right to legalize sports betting. Every state has different ideas on how legal sports betting will work best in their region.
In this case, the proposed bill in Massachusetts will not allow betting on college sports or any amateur sporting events. Currently, New Jersey is the only state that limits wagering on college sports. The bill does not allow bets on college teams from the state or college events taking place within the state.
Three casinos and mobile betting
The proposal will allow each of the three casino operators in Massachusetts to offer both sports betting in the casino and online. In fact, the three casinos that could offer sports betting upon approval of the bill are:
- MGM Springfield
- Plainridge Park
- Encore Boston Harbor (Wynn Resorts)
The initial bill proposal will also allow non-casino online sportsbook operators in the state. As a result, this means that Boston-based DraftKings will be allowed to offer legal sports betting in its home state. There are no caps on the number of operators permitted, so it’s possible other sportsbook operators will open up shop in Massachusetts.
New Jersey is leading the way by offering multiple online sportsbook operators with FanDuel, DraftKings, SugarHouse, 888, FOX bet and PointsBet.
Massachusetts tax rates and fees for casinos
Tax rate structures in each state that legalizes sports betting are different. The proposal from Gov. Baker states that Massachusetts will have two tax rates depending on how a customer places a wager. A bet made inside of a casino will carry a 10 percent tax. Online sports bets will have a 12 percent rate.
Each applicant will have to pay a five-year licensing fee of at least $500,000. Each licensee will have to renew every five years. Altogether, Gov. Baker projects that the state will see $35 million in revenue in the fiscal year 2020.
Multiple sports betting bills in Massachusetts
Gov. Baker’s sports betting bill proposal is just the latest in Massachusetts. With the new additions, there are now five different sports betting bills to choose from:
- SB 882: Introduced by Sen. James Welch, will allow both land-based and online sports betting in Massachusetts.
- SB 903: Introduced by Sen. Brendan Crighton will allow both land-based and online sports betting in Massachusetts.
- SB 908: Introduced by Sen. Bruce Tarr will give a new commission 180 days to look into legalizing sports betting in Massachusetts.
- SB 1110: Introduced by Sen. Michael Rush will allow both land-based and online sports betting in Massachusetts.
