Looking At Sports Betting Legalization Throughout New England

• Rhode Island is the only state in New England that currently offers legal sports betting.
• New Hampshire will join Rhode Island when they launch their first sportsbook on Monday.
• Some states are closer than others when it comes to approving sports betting.

BOSTON – New England is one of the largest markets when it comes to legal sports betting. Between the New England Patriots and Boston-based professional and collegiate sports teams, there is no shortage of teams and games to bet on.

While Rhode Island has legalized sports betting and New Hampshire is ready to do the same on Monday, many of the other states still have many discussions to undergo before they can allow their residents to legally wager within their borders. Here is a breakdown of the sports betting efforts by each state in New England.

Maine

Sports betting in Maine is one of the states that sits in an interesting position. Not only did the lawmakers in Maine agree on terms to legalize sports betting within the state, but they also voted in approval of ME LD 553.

The measure then made its way to Governor Janet Mills’ desk, who did not give her seal of approval. With this, sports betting in Maine entered a purgatory of sorts. The state still has the ability to legalize assuming Governor Mills signs off within the first three days of session – which starts January 1, 2020.

This is unexpected though, as Governor Mills has expressed her concerns with the ability of online operators being able to launch a sportsbook without any connection to the state. This measure will likely head back to committees in order to set up an open market.

Sports betting could be approved in the 2020 legislative session, as the lawmakers have until April 15, 2020, to finalize the governor’s requested changes in order to gain her support.

Vermont

Starting their legislative session on January 7, 2020, Vermont lawmakers must heavily discuss what they want out of their sports betting market before anything serious happens. Last session, they introduced VT HB 484, which never made it out of the committee stages.

The measure would have allowed those 21 and older to place legal sports wagers and operators would be eligible to offer sportsbooks after paying a $100,000 licensing fee.

Legalization in 2020 is highly unlikely but like sports betting in general, anything can happen.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is only a day away from launching, as their sports betting operations are set to begin on Monday. DraftKings will be the operator to open a sportsbook in Maine as they are paired with Maine Lottery and are able to offer both online and land-based sports betting.

New Hampshire is poised to bring in much tax revenue, as their taxation rate on sports betting is set at 51% for online operations and 50% for retail sports betting. Tied at the highest taxation rate, DraftKings will be sure to take full advantage of its six-year sports betting contract with New Hampshire.

Those who are 18 and older are eligible to wager on sports in New Hampshire whether using online or land-based operations. Cities that will host a sportsbook in the future include Manchester, Berlin, Claremont, Franklin, Somersworth, and Laconia.

Governor Chris Sununu held true to his promise that residents and tourists would be able to bet on Tom Brady before the NFL Playoffs began.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island was the first state in New England to legalize sports betting. Their industry has been in operation for over a year (November 26, 2018) but has run into issues recently with lawsuits abound.

Originally dismissed from the court, Judge Brian Stern ruled in favor of hearing the case due to the fact that plaintiff Daniel Harrop officially has a monetary loss to his name.

Harrop believes that Rhode Island did not go through the proper channels for legalization last year, but Governor Gina Raimondo is certain that legal opinions support the claim that Rhode Island legalized sports betting in the correct manner.

Rhode Island has seen over $200 million wagered legally at the state’s licensed sportsbooks, allowing the state to collect over $7 million in sports betting tax revenue since its launch.

Connecticut

Connecticut is in quite an interesting situation, as Governor Ned Lamont is very much so in favor of legalizing sports betting. However, talks with tribal casino leaders have turned this process into an entire ordeal.

The state introduced a legal sports betting measure during a special session back in June but its complexity will result in a slow legalization process.

Though the measure has the support of the tribal leaders, Governor Lamont wishes to see a slightly different outlook for sports betting in Connecticut.

With the threats of lawsuits prevalent for not allowing a competitive marketplace and simply handing exclusivity to the tribal casinos, don’t expect Connecticut to legalize sports betting in 2020. Their session begins on January 8, 2020, and adjourns shortly after, on May 6.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has its sites set on legalization but just can’t seem to get the job done. With over a dozen bills reviewed all throughout 2019, the state legislators have seemed to confuse themselves more than help.

Governor Charlie Baker is ready to move forward with the process and even introduced one of his own sports betting bills earlier in 2019. With DraftKings opening its headquarters in Boston, expect Massachusetts to legalize in 2020.

With the amount of talk that has occurred in the state, bettors in Massachusetts should be betting on the NFL before the start of next season.

News tags: Connecticut | Governor Janet Mills | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island | Vermont