Massachusetts Lawmakers reach an agreement on sports betting legislation
The Sports Betting Conference Committee has reached an agreement on legislation to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts. This is according to House Speaker Ron Mariano who tweeted early Monday morning.
If this new legislation is signed into law, it would allow for wagering on both professional and collegiate sports in the Commonwealth.
The bill will now land on Governor Charlie Baker’s desk and he will have 10 days to sign it. Baker is expected to sign the new bill once it lands on his desk.
"I've said before that with all that's going on in other states and especially the ones around us with regard to sports betting, it's important for us to pass legislation and legalize it here," Baker said back in April.
"My hope would be that [the House and Senate] would both work to get something to our desk so that we can sign by the end of the session."
If the deal is signed, Massachusetts would become the 30th state that would allow sports betting. Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York already allow sports gambling. For years Massachusetts residents have gone to Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire to gamble on sports.
Now residents will soon be able to place a sports bet on their favorite teams from the comfort of their home. This is a big win for the state of Massachusetts.
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