Sports betting in Massachusetts may reach small businesses

The West Springfield Town Council is pushing for sports betting in Massachusetts to reach small businesses with Keno and lottery licences.

US.- The gambling industry continues to change and, with it, regulations adapt to new trends. That’s why sports betting in Massachusetts has triggered a push by West Springfield town councillors to adopt certain rules.

The Town Council is pushing for small venues with Keno and lottery licences to get a permit to operate sports betting in Massachusetts. Should the segment be legalised, local authorities want to protect smaller operators from large casino operations nearby.

“Small bars that have Keno should be able to have (sports betting) at the same time (as casinos),” West Springfield Mayor Reichelt told 22News. According to Reichelt, sports betting in Massachusetts would have a big impact on small businesses.

“Whether it be through Vegas and all the apps (…) it’s definitely a revenue source and I think absolutely they could benefit. Make sure they take into account the small business owners across the state,” he added.

Heated up debate

Massachusetts continues to debate sports betting and everyone wants to get a piece of the business. That’s why Boston-based DraftKings and three state casinos have voiced opposite opinions on the segment.

While the online gambling company wants iGaming companies to be included, casinos are not on board with it. MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park want them to partner with land-based operators to launch their operations.

“DraftKings and our competitors should have a direct relationship with the regulator,” DraftKings CEO Jason Robbins said. “That means being directly accountable to the regulatory authority, the legislature, and ultimately, the residents of Massachusetts,” he said in testimony submitted to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.