Massachusetts will open its door to “immense economic benefits” after passing a bill that will finally see sports betting on professional and college sports legalised in the state.
Both online and retail sports betting will be permitted to customers aged 21 or over when the legislation is officially passed into law, adding another key piece to the betting rush.
By joining the movement, Massachusetts will become the 31st state to legalise sports betting.
“I am proud to announce that the Sports Betting Conference Committee has reached an agreement on legislation that will legalize wagering on professional and college sports in Massachusetts, bringing the immense economic benefits of a legal sports betting industry to [Massachusetts],” tweeted Ron Mariano, speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
The bill includes an amendment banning wagers involving in-state colleges, who can only be bet on if they’re competing in a “collegiate tournament.”
Sports fans in Massachusetts will now be legally allowed to bet on major franchises like the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots from within the state, with hopes the facilities will be in place in time for the new season.