MA betting saga takes late twist as House rejects Senate bill
The Massachusetts House of Representatives has rejected an amended version of its economic development omnibus bill returned by the Senate, in a decision that could reopen the door for legal sports betting in the state.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives has rejected an amended version of its economic development omnibus bill returned by the Senate, in a decision that could reopen the door for legal sports betting in the state.
Earlier this week, the House Committee on Ways and Means introduced H.4879, an act designed to enable “partnerships for growth” in the state, setting out a host of measures.
Among these was a proposal to legalize sports wagering in-person, online and on mobile, with a number of rules related to licensing, tax and regulatory authority included.
Though the House passed an amended version of the bill, including a 30% gross revenue tax.
However, the Senate then voted to replace the renumbered H.4887 with amendment S.2842, which removed the section on sports betting, as well as provisions for online lottery sales.
Several amendments were put forward by members of the Senate in an effort to add sports betting language to the bill, though one was rejected and another two withdrawn before they went to a vote.
When the bill passed back to the House for concurrence yesterday (July 30), it was rejected, which means it will die in the chamber if a compromise cannot be reached. This must happen by the end of today (July 31), when the state legislative session is due to end.