Massachusetts Governor signs sports betting bill into law
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has signed into law a bill legalising and regulating sports betting in the US state.
House Bill 5164 will permit any operator of a land-based casino or racetrack in the state to apply for a licence, while an additional seven online-only licences will be made available. Every licence comes with a $5m fee.
Online betting will be taxed at 20% and retail at 15%, while consumers will be able to bet on a wide range of events including college sports, with the exception of matches involving in-state teams.
In addition, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) will be designated as regulator of the state’s new sports wagering market.
“On behalf of my fellow commissioners and the staff of the MGC, we appreciate the confidence the Legislature and the Governor have in naming us as regulator of this new industry,” MGC chair Cathy Judd-Stein said.
“For the past several years, we have been monitoring sports wagering legislation and taking appropriate steps ..