Sports Betting Drives Revenue, Raises Gambling Harms Massachusetts

The legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts has generated significant tax revenue for the state but has had minimal impact on job creation and local economic growth. Studies presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission reveal that sports betting added about 118 new jobs, a figure dwarfed by casino-related employment, while also causing some job losses due to shifts in consumer spending. The tax revenue from sports betting amounted to $90.8 million in 2023 and $117.6 million in fiscal 2024, with funds allocated to various public programs. Surveys of monthly gamblers indicate increasing levels of sports betting and gambling harms, accompanied by a growing negative public attitude towards gambling legality and its social impacts. Researchers attribute these shifts partly to widespread gambling-related media exposure and emphasize the importance of responsible gaming policies to mitigate harm. Overall, while sports betting contributes modestly to state revenue, its broader economic and social effects remain limited and raise concerns among public health experts.