The Massachusetts State Senate has eliminated clauses concerning the regulation of athletic wagering from a broad economic development measure, potentially extinguishing hopes for legalization in the year 2020.
The legislation, identified as H.4879, which was put forward by the Massachusetts House Committee on Ways and Means, sought to foster “growth partnerships” within the state and incorporated a segment on sports betting that would have permitted in-person, mobile, and online gambling.
Although the House had approved a modified version of the legislation, the Senate cast ballots yesterday (July 29) to substitute the renumbered H.4887 with an amendment, S.2842, which eliminated the sports betting section alongside other provisions.
A number of senators, including Senator Bruce Tarr, suggested changes to attempt to retain sports betting within the bill, but the Senate rejected these proposed changes. Two additional amendments were withdrawn prior to voting.
Consequently, amendment S.2842 was passed unanimously, devoid of any provisions connected to legal sports betting.
The legislation will be returned to the House of Representatives for a vote, but if any modifications are required, it will be sent back to the Senate initially. Subsequently, it will be forwarded to the governor.
You can find more information about this on the iGB North America website.
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