Rep. Brad Hill appointed to Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Rep. Brad Hill has been appointed to Massachusetts Gaming Commission, assuming the seat vacated by Bruce Stebbins’ shift to the Cannabis Control Commission earlier this year.

The Ipswich Republican, currently serving as second-in-command of the House minority caucus, will fill the remainder of Stebbins’ term as Commissioner, which runs into 2025, reports Boston Herald.

The appointment was decided by Gov. Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, citing Hill’s experience in the gaming industry.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission today welcomed the appointment of Representative Bradford R. Hill as a commissioner, effective September 16, 2021.

Learn more here: https://t.co/H9qumPbBTf pic.twitter.com/g44BHaCmv3

— MA Gaming Commission (@MassGamingComm) August 20, 2021

“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve the people of Massachusetts and the 4th Essex District for nearly 25 years,” said Hill upon the announcement.

Rep. Brad Hill plans to resign from the House Sept. 15, starting as gaming commissioner on Sept.16, and since elected to the House in 1998 has been active in debates around sports betting.

“I want to ensure that our local bills are completed and passed before I leave, and this will give me time to work with the leadership to get that done,” added Hill.

The Governor’s office press release on the announcement describes Hill as a “determined advocate for the Massachusetts gaming industry,” experience that is expected to be brought to his new position.

“Brad Hill has been a dedicated public servant for over two decades and has years of experience working with the Massachusetts gaming community,” said Gov. Baker. “I am confident that he will be well-suited to serve in this new role during a transformative time in the Commonwealth’s gaming industry.”

Glad to announce the joint appointment of Rep. Brad Hill to the MA Gaming Commission.

Brad Hill has been a dedicated public servant for over two decades, working as a determined advocate for the Commonwealth, its citizens and the gaming industry.

➡️ https://t.co/mSk5yW7RjT pic.twitter.com/4AYghQRODz

— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) August 20, 2021

During this “transformative time”, Massachusetts has been considering the approval of sports betting. A bill was amended and then passed by representatives past July, headed now to the state’s Senate for further study.

Should H. 3977 be approved by the Senate without further amendments, it can be sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

The state has been considering the approval of sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled May 2018 that the prohibition on sports wagering was unconstitutional. If it were to be approved, the state would join others which have already given green light to this type of betting, which would be under the purview of the Gaming Commission Hill is joining.