It looks as if Massachusetts will be joining the growing number of states looking to "cash-in" on the sports betting market. Governor
Charlie Baker will file legislation to legalize sports betting in the Commonwealth. Touted as
"An Act To Establish Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth" it would allow sports wagering lounges at the three licensed casino operations in the state, and also permit bettors within Massachusetts to place sports wagers from their phones and laptops. The bill is estimated to generate $35 million in tax revenues in fiscal 2020 alone. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal law restricting sports betting to Nevada, a succession of states have talked about taking the plunge. New Jersey already has—and to a lesser extent Rhode Island has as well. This Massachusetts legislation does
not include the so-called "integrity fee" that has been requested by professional sports leagues like Major League Baseball.
