Lawmakers reached a deal legalizing in-person and mobile sports betting in Massachusetts

The legislation, “An Act regulating sports wagering,” authorizes the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to grant in-person licenses at gaming establishments, including casinos, racetracks and simulcast facilities, as well as mobile licenses through mobile applications or digital platforms, a spokesperson for the office of House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano said in a news release. The legislation will allow betting on college sports with the exception of Massachusetts schools, unless they are participating in a tournament. People must be 21 years old or older to bet. As directed through this legislation, the Gaming Commission will also be conducting a study into the feasibility of allowing retail locations to operate sports wagering kiosks.

In a statement, Mariano said, “I’m incredibly proud that today, and after years of House-led efforts to authorize legal sports wagering in Massachusetts, the Legislature has acted to bring the immense economic benefits of a legal sports betting industry to the Commonwealth. Legalizing wagers on both professional and collegiate sports will create jobs and bring tens of millions of dollars in annual tax revenue to Massachusetts. I want to thank Chairs Michlewitz and Parisella, all the conferees and my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate for recognizing the incredible economic opportunity that legalized sports betting presents.”

The revenue collected will be distributed to municipalities, and for economic, workforce, education, and public health priorities.

This legislation will generate an estimated $60 million in annual tax revenue for the state, in addition to collecting up to $70 to $80 million in initial licensing fees, which must be renewed every five years. It includes a 15 percent tax on in-person wagering and a 20 percent tax on mobile wagering. According to state representative Aaron Michlewitz, the bill will allow for betting online and in person, and it’s expected to generate $60 million in annual revenue with funds directed towards workforce development, local aid and public health initiatives. Once signed into law, Massachusetts will become the 35th state with legal sports betting. Kansas, Maine, Nebraska and Ohio are all scheduled to begin taking bets soon.

Jason Robins, the CEO of DraftKings, which is headquartered in Massachusetts, voiced his support of the bill on Twitter. “Exciting news for the Commonwealth and a big win for sports fans. This is a huge opportunity for @DraftKings and the 1,300+ employees we have living in MA - can't wait to finally launch DK Sportsbook in our backyard.” Sports betting was considered a major hold up between the House and the Senate and has been a discussion for years now. Having been passed by the House and Senate, the act now goes to Gov. Baker’s desk for his signature. A date for the launch of sports betting has not yet been set.