After stalling last session, sports betting debate re-emerges in Massachusetts

After stalling last session, sports betting debate re-emerges in Massachusetts

Article brief provided by State House News Service
  • Colin A. Young, State House News Service
June 10, 2021 9:29 PM
  • Colin A. Young, State House News Service

More than two years after holding a two-day hearing that revolved around whether or how to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts, the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies will revisit the issue next week.

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The June 17 virtual hearing will cover nearly 20 bills related to sports wagering, which was available legally in just a handful of locations until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that the nearly-nationwide prohibition on sports wagering was unconstitutional and gave states the ability to legalize the activity.

While 25 other states, including neighboring Rhode Island, New Hampshire and New York, have already authorized gamblers to place legal bets on sports, Massachusetts lawmakers have not similarly embraced the idea.