Online sports betting is off to a fast start in Massachusetts. It didn't become legal until early March. but in less than a month, Massachusetts residents placed and settled nearly $550 million in virtual wagers, compared to about $20 million at the state's three casinos. Industry operators made nearly $47 million on those online bets, leading to more than $9 million in tax revenue for the state.
Is the industry's quick start cause for celebration or concern? Talking Politics host Adam Reilly is joined by state Sen. John Keenan, who believes sports betting still isn't regulated as tightly as it should be. He's introduced legislation that would make several promotional practices that are standard industry practice illegal in Massachusetts. Also weighing in: Holy Cross professor and gambling expert Victor Matheson, who agrees the industry deserves heightened scrutiny — but also predicts that online sports betting activity will drop in the coming months.
Do you bet on sports online? And whether or not you do, do you think Massachusetts is currently doing enough to regulate the practice? Send us a message at TalkingPolitics@wgbh.org, or share your thoughts via the Talking Politics page.
You can watch the discussion below right now, or catch the full show at 7 p.m. on GBH 2. Subscribe to the GBH News’ YouTube channel to get alerted to future episodes.
