Massachusetts state lawmakers held a two-day hearing, where they heard from stakeholders discussing the possibility of mobile sports betting, betting on college sports and the state lottery.
All three casinos sent a letter to lawmakers prior to the hearing announcing their support of DraftKings and FanDuel operating mobile sportsbooks.
The letter read: “Mobile sports wagering should be reserved for licensed casino operators and a limited number of daily fantasy operators with proven sports wagering experience.
“These operators have already made tremendous investments and are large drivers of economic activity, jobs and tourism for the Commonwealth.”
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said: “To fully realise the potential for mobile sports wagering, the legalisation should allow mobile operators to receive licenses directly from the regulator rather than requiring partnership with land-based facilities.”
There was less agreement in terms of allowing sports betting on college sports. A bill filed by Governor Charlie Baker wants to prohibit betting on college sports, whereas Senator Brendan Crighton was in favour.
Crighton said: “This betting is going on currently and we’re not going to be able to offer a model that lures folks away (from the illegal market) unless we include what is one of the more popular forms of betting.”
The Massachusetts Lottery was also invited to testify at the hearing. Described as an “intriguing idea” by State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, the lottery would potentially use the opportunity of legal sports betting to expand its offerings, introducing cashless transactions.
