The small business group Fair Play Massachusetts is lobbying the state legislature to allow sports betting in the keno parlors that operate all over the state.
A spokesman for the group, Ryan McCollum, told the Boston Herald: “It is about being fair to the small businesses first and foremost so they can be a part of this, and fair to the average person who wants to be a part of sports betting.”
His group supports Governor Charlie Baker’s bill that would legalize sports book in the Bay State. Existing casino, such as the Plainridge Park slots parlor and the MGM Springfield would be allowed to offer the wagers both on premises and in partnership with online providers.
Also pressing for a piece of the online pie is Massachusetts State Lottery, which is overseen by Treasurer Deb Goldberg, who has for years insisted that the lottery move into the online arena.
The small business group doesn’t oppose any of these others having sports betting, but they want to offer it also.
The owner of a restaurant in Chicopee, Billy Stetson, told the Herald “It gives people a way to enjoy the game in a safe and healthy way.” He added, “People are going to sports bars anyways to watch the game so why not give them a piece of the pie?”
