A few weeks ago, it became apparent that the state’s legislature was ready to legalise online sports betting as part of its latest Economic Development Bill.
In a recent draft, iLottery seemed to be included as well, but concerns have grown over a potential $3bn in tax relief funds the law will require from these new verticals.
Issues have developed over how to separate tax funds between verticals which, as of 31 July, means no final economic development bill has been produced.
Therefore, even though online sports betting remains a surety, iLottery does not. Goldberg, however, hopes iLottery can become legal in the Bay State.
She said: “I am pleased that the legislature explored new ways to generate sustainable revenue for the state this session. With sports betting set to go online, I hope to work with the legislature to hold the lottery harmless.
“Should members come back this fall to finalise the Economic Development Bill, I encourage them to allow the lottery to offer products online. We are prepared to implement a safe and reliable iLottery with the ability to produce significant, additional dollars for the state, possibly even exceeding the earnings from sports betting.”
House and Senate leaders in Massachusetts still plan to work on the nagging issues regarding spending and policy initiatives throughout the rest of the year, in what looks set to be a slow, long-winded process for the Bay State.
