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Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano remains hopeful about the legalization of sports betting in the Bay State this year, despite his colleagues expressing less optimism.
The House’s budget plan revealed a significant hint: It deliberately left out the Massachusetts sports betting revenue.
Although it is not a definitive end to enabling legislation, it does not bode well for supporters of gambling expansion in the state. Finding alternative funding sources for Massachusetts programs eliminates a major selling point for convincing hesitant lawmakers to support such expansion.
No sports betting revenue in MA House budget plan
House leaders, including Mariano, are presenting their budget proposal to Governor Charlie Baker and Senate members, focusing on what is absent from the package of bills rather than what is included.
In this instance, the plan successfully sidesteps any service reductions or tax rate escalations. Although it does propose a 2.6% rise in expenditure compared to the prior fiscal year, it adequately accommodates this change. Representatives in the House affirm that the state exceeded its anticipated tax revenue and received additional funds from the federal government.
It remains uncertain if Baker and Senate leaders will share the same level of enthusiasm. The House’s package demonstrates a 3.9% growth compared to Baker’s budget. Additionally, the governor’s proposal included targeted reductions in spending.
When it comes to finding common ground between the various plans, the expansion of gambling could pose a challenge. Baker has consistently advocated for the legalization of sports betting in the state and has even introduced his own bill regarding this matter. Influential figures in the House, such as Mariano, appear willing to engage in discussions regarding this topic. As Mariano stated:
I believe there is still a possibility for the House to achieve sports betting legalization.
However, actions speak louder than words in this case. The positive financial state of the commonwealth may reduce the officials’ drive in Boston to pursue gambling expansion.
No sense of urgency on gambling expansion in MA
The wait for a sports betting bill in Massachusetts feels never-ending, with no signs of it coming to a close anytime soon. At one point this year, a staggering 14 bills were simultaneously introduced to legalize wagering.
There are two additional factors that could contribute to the prolonged delay of this issue. Firstly, the multitude of proposals being put forth allows for more opportunities for debate, which inevitably consumes time. Secondly, the legislature has dedicated two years to addressing this matter, and if any Massachusetts lawmakers felt a sense of urgency to facilitate its resolution, it would have already been evident.
Despite House members appearing confident that the state can fulfill its obligations without relying on tax revenue from sports betting, the allure of new tax dollars is not as appealing. Consequently, the enigma surrounding Massachusetts’ delay in legalizing sports betting may persist.
Sports betting legalization should be a straightforward decision for the state, given the support from the governor, House speaker, and numerous parties who stand to gain. However, it seems that in the state capital, the topic remains irrelevant to many individuals.
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