WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 2515

An Act relative to non-outcome based or performance based wagers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Frost

Expands wagering to non-outcome, performance-based micro-events in sports (e.g., coin toss, anthem length) in MA, with Gaming Commission limits to regulate bets and boost revenue.

Senate concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2515

Summary: An Act relative to non-outcome based or performance based wagers (HD 2515)

Overview

  • Bill number: House Docket No. 2515 (HD 2515)
  • Title: An Act relative to non-outcome based or performance based wagers
  • Status: Senate concurred (awaiting final passage/official enactment in the 2025-2026 session)
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Principal sponsor: Representative Paul K. Frost (Auburn)

Purpose and intent

The bill would expand the scope of non-outcome based or performance-based wagering under Chapter 23N of the General Laws. Specifically, it authorizes wagers on elements of an event that are not the traditional outcome of the event itself. The aim appears to be to provide a regulatory framework for wagers on ancillary or micro-events associated with sports or athletic events, subject to regulatory limits.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Chapter 23N, Section 3: The clause currently referring to "or other event" would be amended by inserting after that phrase the following examples: “such as, but not limited to, the result of an official coin toss or the length of a national anthem performance at an athletic event.”
  • Regulatory oversight: The bill authorizes the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to set limits on such non-outcome based or performance-based wagers if it determines that is appropriate.
  • Scope of wagers: The examples illustrate wagers on micro-events embedded within or related to athletic events (e.g., coin toss results, anthem length), expanding beyond traditional game outcomes.

Who would be affected

  • Massachusetts Gaming Commission: Responsible for establishing permissible parameters, licensing, and limits for these wagers.
  • Wagering operators/advertisers: Potential new product offerings and compliance requirements.
  • Bettors and consumers: Individuals who may place bets on non-traditional wagers.
  • Athletic events and venues: May see new betting-related activity around ancillary event elements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • 2025-02-27: Referred to the House committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
  • 2025-02-27: Senate concurred (indicating cross-chamber agreement on the bill’s language at this stage).
  • Historical context: A similar matter was filed in a prior session (House Docket No. 5225 of 2023-2024), suggesting ongoing consideration of non-outcome based wagering in Massachusetts.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Regulatory: Clear regulatory framework with limits set by the Gaming Commission could help safeguard integrity and consumer protection while allowing new product offerings.
  • Economic: Possible new revenue streams for state gaming operations and licensed operators, contingent on regulatory approval and market adoption.
  • Responsible gaming: As with any expanded wagering, careful attention to problem gambling safeguards, advertising standards, and age verification will be important.
  • Public policy balance: The bill seeks to broaden wager types while maintaining regulatory controls to prevent misuse or volatility in betting markets.

Note: As of the provided details, final enactment would require approval by both chambers and the Governor.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.