A measure that would legalize sports betting in Massachusetts was approved by voice vote in the state Senate on Thursday, nine months after a similar law was enacted by the House of Representatives.
Despite this, there are significant disparities between the two pieces of law. Individuals over the age of 21 in the Commonwealth would be permitted to engage in sports betting on professional and other events under the terms of Senate Bill 2844, which was just approved by the Senate. Both the House and Senate versions of the legislation have the same broad oversight provisions.
However, there are still considerable disparities. A number of roadblocks might prohibit a single measure from clearing both houses and reaching Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk before the current session of the Massachusetts General Court ends on July 31, according to legislative analysts.
Baker, who has long advocated for the legalization of sports betting in the Bay State, will not run for re-election this year.