Sports Betting In Massachusetts: A Legislative Update

In 2018, the United States Supreme Court overturned the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act – a law that effectively banned commercial sports betting nationwide. Since then, states across the country have rushed to legalize the estimated $150 billion industry . Seeking to join neighbors Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire and New York, the Massachusetts House voted on July 23 rd to pass HB3993 – an act regulating sports wagering .

In the words of Representative Dan Cahill, D-Lynn, “People are allowed to have fun – and sports betting is fun.” 

The Commonwealth Anticipates Benefits from Sports Betting

By an overwhelming margin, house representatives embraced the notion that legalizing gambling is the best way to bring it “into the light” (Speaker Ron Mariano, D-Quincy), cutting back on illegal activity while reaping the taxable rewards of a vice industry. With in-person betting taxed at 12.5% and mobile wagers at 15%, the Commonwealth stands to bring in $60 million annually in new tax revenue . Unique to Massachusetts, the Act includes first-of-its-kind language that would allow so-called “untethered” licenses – licenses granted to mobile sportsbooks without physical partners. License fees will be high; at $5 million each, the state expects to $70 to $80 million in licensing fees alone .  

Upcoming Massachusetts Sports Betting Vote

The debate is not yet settled; provisions still up-in-the-air include those allowing and regulating college betting, betting on individual player performance, and providing adequate consumer protections. The urgency and priority, however, is certain: Governor Baker has included $35 million in sports betting tax revenue in his last three annual budget proposals . The Senate is expected to hold a vote within a few days, but with the House’s overwhelming support and the Governor’s backing, Massachusetts is almost guaranteed to legalize sports betting by the end of this session. 

Want the latest information on sports betting in Massachusetts? Follow Tenax Strategies on LinkedIn to make sure you never miss an update.

 

Massachusetts Legislation update

Massachusetts Legislation Update (May 2021)

By Tenax Strategies • 28 Nov, 2022
The Tenax Strategies team is constantly monitoring key Massachusetts bills as they make their way through the legislative cycle. Here are three pieces of legislation that we’re watching as of May 2021.

Sweeping Cannabis Industry Reforms Signed into Law by Governor Baker

By admin • 11 Aug, 2022
Client Update: S.3096 An Act relative to equity in the cannabis industry Senate bill S.3096 was signed by Governor Baker on August, 11, 2022. The bill prioritizes equity in the cannabis industry but also clarifies and reinforces certain parts of the existing cannabis law including, notably, host community agreements and social consumption. Business Taxes Sets The post Sweeping Cannabis Industry Reforms Signed into Law by Governor Baker appeared first on Tenax Strategies.

More Than A Tagline

By admin • 17 Nov, 2021
Earlier this week, we celebrated the two-year anniversary of a key part of our business: our brand. Every ninety days, our team meets to reflect on our core values. We consider whether we’re living up to them and, just as importantly, whether they still reflect who we are. Two years ago, we realized they needed The post More Than A Tagline appeared first on Tenax Strategies.

Legislation Update: House Ways and Means ARPA Legislation

By admin • 01 Nov, 2021
In mid-September, Tenax wrote about the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) and how it could impact the Commonwealth. The $5.3 billion in funding allocated to Beacon Hill had the potential to dramatically change the Commonwealth’s services and would serve as an indicator of larger priorities for the upcoming session. Last Friday, the House passed an Act The post Legislation Update: House Ways and Means ARPA Legislation appeared first on Tenax Strategies.

What Opportunity Looks Like

By admin • 21 Oct, 2021
Tenax Strategies recently launched our multi-state cannabis program; the same services we’ve offered for years in Massachusetts, we now offer across a variety of emerging markets in all corners of the nation. It’s been a whirlwind of a month – identifying properties, tracking new developments, working with experts in engineering, architecture, and other technical fields The post What Opportunity Looks Like appeared first on Tenax Strategies.

American Rescue Plan Spending in Massachusetts: A Legislative Update

By admin • 16 Sep, 2021
Earlier this year, our team wrote about the implications of the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) for the Commonwealth. Massachusetts received about $5.3 billion in state fiscal relief—in addition to $3.4 billion for local governments. As Beacon Hill comes back from session, the questions we asked then are more relevant than ever. Today, we’ll update this The post American Rescue Plan Spending in Massachusetts: A Legislative Update appeared first on Tenax Strategies.

2022 Ballot Initiatives in Massachusetts

By admin • 08 Sep, 2021
Should Legislation Be Passed Through the Ballot Box? The Massachusetts Attorney General has just announced that 17 out of 30 proposed ballot initiatives have met the requirements to move forward in the ballot question process for 2022 and 2024 legislative cycles. With ballot questions becoming more common in recent elections, Tenax Strategies took a deep The post 2022 Ballot Initiatives in Massachusetts appeared first on Tenax Strategies.

How to Build a Coalition for a Public Affairs Campaign

By admin • 01 Sep, 2021
There’s power in numbers. With any public affairs campaign, you’re more likely to have a successful outcome when you have people rallying behind you, contacting local lawmakers, and raising awareness. But a group of likeminded, passionate supporters doesn’t always come together naturally. For a big win, you need more than friends and family in your The post How to Build a Coalition for a Public Affairs Campaign appeared first on Tenax Strategies.

Open for Business!

By admin • 10 Aug, 2021
A big congratulations to our client, Elevated Roots—whose adult-use cannabis facility is now open in Kingston, MA! Their journey certainly wasn’t easy. From the beginning, they were faced with restrictive zoning bylaws that took them all the way to the Attorney General.  But with guidance and strategic support, Tenax Strategies secured their retail location and The post Open for Business! appeared first on Tenax Strategies.

Do You Have the Right Message for Your Public Affairs Campaign?

By admin • 13 Jul, 2021
When a piece of legislation has the potential to impact your business, your industry, or your best interests, you need to do everything in your power to attain your desired outcome. But you can’t be the only voice in the room trying to persuade decision-makers. You need public support on your side for your issue The post Do You Have the Right Message for Your Public Affairs Campaign? appeared first on Tenax Strategies.
More Posts
Share by: