Massachusetts Republican leaders see sports betting a priority for 2022 as state loses out on tax revenue

Sports betting will be among GOP priorities for Massachusetts in 2022, House and Senate Republican leaders have said. In a joint interview, House Minority Leader Brad Jones and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr identified legislation to allow sports wagering as needed to further bring in revenue to the state.

"Whether or not you are a fan of gaming, or even of sports gaming, the fact is that we are leaving $30-50 million on the table," Tarr said, according to State House News Service, "watching it -- the activities -- be conducted in other states that we could be getting the benefit of here."

Sports betting legislation in Massachusetts has stalled out in the Senate after the House passed a bipartisan bill in July, but Jones says constituents ask him about the status of the legislation almost daily.

While many have pointed to ongoing discussions between lawmakers on issues such as the number of licenses and whether to include collegiate sports among betting options, Tarr pointed out a likely cause for the current holdup could also be chalked up to House-Senate relations.

"It seems to me that there has been some interplay between the branches, and that may be holding it up," Tarr said, while adding that even if there are "very substantial" differences in a Senate version, that could be sorted out in conference committee.

Jones proposes an “open-book” approach, in which lawmakers would hash out their differences on the floor. “Let the membership decide whether they want that in or they want it out, and then if people don't like the final bill that's crafted through that sausage-making process then they can vote it down,” he said, according to Boston Business Journal.

Whether this ends up being the path taken or not, what the GOP leaders agree on is that the current situation, in which sports betting legislation isn’t moving forward, does not work. “People say what’s going on, where is it at?” added Jones.

The House leader further claims approval would not only be welcomed news for sports enthusiasts but also for restaurants, bars and shops which could also see benefits when taking into account the bettors’ visits while across the border in a state that allows sports gaming.

"I think that is something that needs to be kind of amplified a little bit in the discussion, as we are more of an island unto ourselves,” he said. “I shudder to think, the millions of dollars we probably lost just for the fact the Red Sox went into the playoffs and weren't predicted to do so.”

Legislation to legalize sports wagering was first passed by the state House in July, while the Senate version of the bill is currently sitting in the Ways and Means Committee, not yet having come to the Senate floor. Should it be passed by the Senate, Gov. Charlie Baker, a long-time supporter of sports betting, would most likely sign it.

Most Central Massachusetts state senators have started issuing their voices on the subject, with a majority supporting the gambling expansion, although admitting particulars may require more debate.