Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?
There really isn’t a whole lot of intrigue when it comes to Massachusetts and sports betting. If I-95 runs through your state and you are along the Mason-Dixon Line or north of it, sports betting is coming your way. Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Maryland are all going to be a part of the sports betting revolution or already are part of it.
New Jersey and Delaware already have it. New York will move swiftly. Maryland will likely come around in 2020. Connecticut will likely be 2019. Massachusetts is also very likely to join Connecticut in 2019. Massachusetts only has a couple of casinos and a handful of race tracks, but a mega MGM is coming to Springfield and it will probably coincidence with sports betting or close to it. The state is really moving quickly, with Plainridge Park Casino in 2015, this MGM structure, and Encore Boston Harbor coming this year as well.
The expansion of gambling in Massachusetts is another sign that legalized sports wagering should follow. Relaxed gaming laws should open the door, especially because the casino plans have been adopted as the New Jersey push to strike down PASPA was in action. Right now, studies are being commissioned and we all know what those studies are likely to find.
It’s going to be very fun to see what sorts of models are created at MIT and the Ivy League universities in the area now that sports betting is legal. There are already a lot of them out there and everybody knows about the blackjack teams. These will be fun times to follow.
Recent Stories About Sports Betting
Jon Keller of CBS 4 in Boston had some initial thoughts and concerns the day that PASPA was repealed on May 14.
On May 22, it was said in the Daily Hampshire Gazette that Massachusetts should be quick and “prudent” on sports betting legislation. The piece included lots of quotes from representatives.
As it turns out, things are moving quickly. News 22 WWLP posted about the progress early in the month, as the Massachusetts General Assembly is one of few still in session.
State Representative Joe Wagner slapped a 2019 date on it per Colin Young of MassLive.
Forecast
Few things in betting are a lock, but Massachusetts not losing out on tax revenue to New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania is a lock. The state will be trying to make up for lost time relative to those other states, so it really wouldn’t be a surprise to see something potentially wrapped up before the legislature goes its separate ways on July 31.
Neighboring States
Connecticut
New Hampshire
New York
Rhode Island
Vermont