Legalized Sports Betting In Massachusetts Debated At State House Hearing

BOSTON (CBS) - A joint committee is holding a virtual hearing Thursday on 19 different bills related to sports betting in Massachusetts.

Governor Charlie Baker first introduced a bill more than two years ago for a plan that would raise an estimated $35 million in local aid and does not allow for college sports betting.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states can legalize sports betting back in 2018. At least 26 other states, including Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and New York, have legalized it.

The latest step comes Thursday at the State House as the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies holds a hearing on several "Sports Wagering Bills," including the one put forward by Baker.

According to a recent poll commissioned by Plainridge Park Casino and Encore Boston Harbor, 61 percent of the state strongly or somewhat supports legalized sports betting.