What You Need To Know

• Governor Charlie Baker signed An Act to Regulate Sports Wagering (House Bill No. 5164) on August 10, 2022, legalizing sports betting in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been tasked with overseeing the promulgation of the state’s sports wagering industry
• The full text of the legislation can be found here: House Bill No. 5164 – An Act to Regulate Sports Wagering

What Actions Has The MGC Taken

Ahead of Legislation Passing

• Developed white papers focused on responsible gaming considerations for sports wagering and gambling advertising
• Included a study examining the social and economic effects of expanded gaming in the MGC’s annual research agenda. The deliverable, Legalized Sports Betting in the United States and Potential Impacts in Massachusetts, was shared with the legislature and is under review by the Commission.
• Worked with jurisdictions across the country that have completed or are in the process of implementing sports wagering to learn about best practices

Since Legislation Passed

• Reviewed and are analyzing the sports wagering legislation to understand the MGC’s responsibilities as a regulator
• Identified approximately 225 regulations needed to be promulgated and created a tracking grid for that work
• Announced roundtable discussions with current licensees and prospective stakeholders
• Reviewing and inspecting technology including sports wagering kiosks
• Commissioners approved the hiring of a Director of Sports Wagering – the MGC is currently  accepting applications for this role
• The Commission met at a virtual public meeting on August 4, 2022 to discuss matters related to sports wagering should the Governor sign the bill into law. You can watch that meeting in its entirety here:
  • August 4, 2022 Public Meeting Video
• Ahead of the first stakeholder roundtable held by the MGC focused on sports wagering, the Commission released a Notice of Intent form regarding licenses for sports wagering in the Commonwealth. The MGC requests that entities intending to seek a license for sports wagering complete that notice of intent and return it by August 31, 2022 via e‐mail to mgcclerk@massgaming.gov.
  • Access that form here.
• The Commission is engaging in its first Round Table Discussions relating to the promulgation of Sports Wagering Operations in Massachusetts on Thursday, August 18. See the Agenda for the meeting schedule and tune in live to the public meeting on YouTube: