THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 7, 2022 Page 3 Long-awaited launch of legal sports betting in Mass. looms closer Key Gaming Commission meeting held yesterday where timeline for getting sports betting up and running was key topic By Steve Freker A distinct timeline when legal sports betting in Massachusetts could offi cially launch across the state was expected to be voted on yesterday at a key meeting of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Gaming regulators appeared poised to shed signifi cant light Thursday on the process they will use to select the sports betting outfi ts that will be allowed to operate in Massachusetts and the timeline for getting both in-person and online betting up and running. The Gaming Commission’s agenda for its Thursday meeting was set up to address major sports wagering topics. Included were a discussion and possible vote for possible emergency adoption of regulations that lay out the application process for each of the three categories of licenses. Also, up for discussion was a presentation of a draft application form along with —A presentation on the application scoring process the commission could use —More discussions and possible votes on regulations related to sports betting taxes —The vendor licensing process —A discussion of whether to launch retail and mobile betting at the same time or on different dates. Commissioners could also take a vote Thursday related to “potential launch dates” for retail in-person betting and online/mobile betting, according to the agenda. Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill to legalize sports betting on August 10, officially joining many states— including next-door New Hampshire and Rhode Island— that moved to okaysports bettingafter the Supreme Court dissolved federal ban in 2018. The new law makes Massachusetts the 36th state in the U.S. to legalize sports betting. Here are some of the known aspects of sports betting in Massachusetts: —You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Massachusetts, just like gambling at one of the state's casinos. That's in line with Connecticut, but it's a bit stricter than New Hampshire and Rhode Island, which allow those as young as 18 to bet on sports. —Bettors may wager on professional and most collegiate sports, but not colleges in MasYou'll have to be 21 years or older to bet on sports in Massachusetts, just like gambling at one of the state's casinos. That's in line with Connecticut, but it's a bit stricter than New Hampshire and Rhode Island, which allow those as young as 18 to bet on sports. What exactly can you bet on? Professional and (most) colleEncore Casino in Everett is already set to being accepting sports betting customers when the Mass. Gaming Commission gives the go-ahead. (Courtesy Photo) sachusetts— unless they are participating in a tournament. You can also bet on e-sports. Betting on high school and youth sports remains prohibited. —The new law allows the state's existing casinos all to apply for a license to host in-person sports betting. I Everett's Encore Boston Harbor and the MGM in Springfi eld have already built sports bars in their casinos that are basically sports books-inwaiting. The Plainridge Park Casino intends to set up a sports book, too. —The law also allows Raynham Park and Suff olk Downs — which have continued to host simulcast betting on dog and horse racing — to open on-site sports books. Additionally, the three casinos, two race tracks and up to seven other companies (think: DraftKings or FanDuel) will be able to launch mobile sports betting apps. —In the future, there's also the possibility that betting will be allowed at businesses like restaurants and hotels in Massachusetts. —In addition, the new law empowers the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to conduct a study on the feasibility of allowing retail locations to operate sports betting and report backwith recommendations by the end of this calendar year. Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill to legalize sports betting in August as Massachusettsjoined 35 other states that moved to allow legal sports wageringafter the Supreme Court removed a federal ban in 2018. Massachusetts'law diff ers in several ways from sports betting regulations in neighboring states like New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Here's some key points, according to a report on wbur.org Who's allowed to bet? giate sports are fair game.No instate college team betting, unless they are in a tournament. You can also bet on e-sports. But betting on high school and youth sports remains prohibited. Where to place bets? The new law allows the state's existing casinos all to apply for a BETTING | SEE PAGE 13 AUTOTECH DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash for Your Vehicle! RIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ Get your vehicle Winter Ready! We Offer A Complete Safety Check! • Coolant Special with Oil Change • Top Off All Fluids Gt hil Wit Rd • Synthetic Blend Oil Change 2010 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 2011 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 Only $79.95 Six Cylinder, Auto., 4X4, Excellent Condition, Most Power Options, Clean Title, Only 170K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! Super Clean, Six Cylinder, Auto., 4X4, Only 130K Miles! 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