The Massachusetts Legislative Assembly turned down a change to the wide-ranging economic growth bill that was sent back by the Senate, a decision that could potentially pave the way for legalized sports wagering in the state.
Earlier in the week, the House Committee on Finance and Taxation put forward H.4879, a piece of legislation designed to foster “growth partnerships” within the state, and laid out a series of steps.
These steps included a suggestion to permit sports wagering at physical locations, online, and on mobile devices, and incorporated numerous provisions related to licensing, taxation, and regulatory oversight.
Even though the House approved a change to the bill, including a 30% tax on total income.
However, the Senate subsequently voted to substitute the renumbered H.4887 with amendment S.2842, which eliminated the sports betting section, along with provisions for online lottery sales.
Lawmakers suggested numerous changes to try to incorporate sports wagering clauses in the legislation, but one was turned down and two others were taken back before the vote.
The legislation was returned to the lower chamber yesterday (July 30) but was turned down, indicating it will expire in the legislature if no compromise can be reached. A compromise must be reached by the end of today (July 31), or the state legislative session will conclude.
Check out the full report on the iGB North America website.
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