NJ Gov Supports Legalization of Massachusetts Sportsbook Operations

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said that he supports the legalization of Massachusetts sportsbook operations. He added that he would do it if he were the governor of Massachusetts. However, becoming a baseball bookie in the state remains a dream as Senate and House members are trying to find a compromise on conflicting provisions.

Sports gaming specialists have proclaimed New Jersey as a model of sanctioned betting — and a state that Massachusetts ought to look to for direction as Beacon Hill sharpens regulation that would permit Bay Staters to put down wagers on their favorite teams.

According to political news reports, New Jersey is the top sports betting state in the US. It remained on top despite legal sports betting in New York. Also, the sports betting industry attracted more jobs in NJ because it is a fintech business.

Legalization of Massachusetts Sportsbook Operations

Murphy said that tax revenues are not as significant as sportsbook PPH experts estimated. However, the sports betting revenue allowed the state to weather through the pandemic. Massachusetts could generate $35 million in taxes from sports betting.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker hopes to sign the sports wagering bill into law before the end of the current legislative session. Also, he wants the state to compete against its neighbors, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Both states have already legalized sports betting.

Baker said people crossed borders to wager on sports events, including March Madness and Super Bowl. The governor added that his administration filed a sports wagering legislation in 2019. Also, he used New Jersey’s sportsbook law as a template.

The Senate passed a bill to make sports betting legal last month. However, it was different from the House version of the bill. In particular, the Senate version doesn’t allow wagering on college sports.