Massachusetts lawmakers to meet over sports betting bills

Lawmakers in Massachusetts will meet this week to discuss various issues surrounding the campaign to legalise sports betting.

The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies will conduct a hearing on Tuesday, May 28, while a public forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29.

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Both meetings will address the potential pros and cons of decriminalising gambling on sports.

The topic has already had plenty of airtime in the Bay State, with no fewer than nine sports betting bills floating around the halls of power in Boston.

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One of those came from the desk of Governor Charlie Baker, who would have the final say on any legislation that might pass through the chambers of government.

Baker’s bill would only legalise gambling on professional sporting events, with college and high school competitions remaining out of bounds.

It also proposes a tax of 10 per cent on revenue from land-based wagering retailers and 12.5 per cent on mobile betting.

Licences would cost $500,000 for a five-year term, with prospective operators required to pay $100,000 up front as part of the application process.

Rhode Island is the only other state in New England with a regulated sports betting industry, although Maine and New Hampshire are both making strides towards legalisation.