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S 1237

Repeals the rebates for stock transfer tax paid; dedicates funds of the stock transfer tax fund and stock transfer incentive fund to various funds

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jabari Brisport and 18 co-sponsors

Prohibits betting on political outcomes in Massachusetts and blocks platforms that facilitate such wagering, effectively ending political prediction markets for MA residents.

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 1237

Summary — S.1237: "An Act relative to wagering on political outcomes"

Status: Referred to Finance (Introduced 01/17/2025; filed as Senate Docket No. 2428; presented by Jacob R. Oliveira)
Jurisdiction: Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Purpose

The bill seeks to prohibit betting and wagering on “political outcomes” in Massachusetts and to prevent the establishment or operation of platforms (physical or digital) that facilitate such wagering. It is declared an emergency law to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new Section 6D to Chapter 271 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
  • Defines “political outcomes” broadly to include:
    • Elections for public office within the Commonwealth,
    • Appointments to public office,
    • The passage, amendment or failure of legislative measures,
    • Any other official decision‑making processes conducted by political bodies in the Commonwealth.
  • Prohibits any person from knowingly placing, accepting, or engaging in any form of betting or wagering on political outcomes.
  • Prohibits any person or entity from establishing, maintaining, operating, or promoting any platform, service, or venue (physical or digital) for the purpose of facilitating betting or wagering on political outcomes.
  • Exempts lawful political contributions, campaign financing, and other activities expressly permitted under Chapter 55 (Massachusetts campaign finance law).
  • Emergency clause: bill states deferred operation would defeat its purpose, making it immediately effective if enacted.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals who place or accept bets on political contests or decisions (including informal/personal wagering).
  • Businesses and organizations that operate or host political prediction markets, betting exchanges, fantasy/prediction platforms, or other services that allow users to wager on political outcomes.
  • Digital platforms (domestic or hosted) that permit or promote political wagering aimed at Massachusetts residents.
  • Campaigns and lawful political fundraising are explicitly excluded from the prohibition (per Chapter 55 carve‑out).

Enforcement & penalties

  • The bill text inserts the prohibition into Chapter 271 (criminal statutes), implying a criminal ban, but the provided text does not specify particular penalties, fines or enforcement procedures for violations. Implementation and enforcement mechanisms would need to be clarified in legislation or subsequent rulemaking.

Legislative status & notes

  • Filed as Senate Docket No. 2428 and presented by Senator Jacob R. Oliveira (text provided).
  • Listed status: Referred to Finance. Hearing/activity dates in the provided record are inconsistent; verify current status on the official legislative website.
  • Metadata provided with the bill packet contains inconsistent titles and sponsor listings (some entries appear to reference other jurisdictions or prior sessions). Summary above is based on the bill text inserting Section 6D into Chapter 271.

Potential implications

  • Would effectively shut down political prediction markets and commercial betting on political events within Massachusetts.
  • May have cross‑jurisdictional implications for online platforms accessible to Massachusetts residents; enforcement and applicability to out‑of‑state operators could raise legal and constitutional questions that are not addressed in the text.

For precise legislative text, current status, and any amendments, consult the official Massachusetts legislative website or the bill file (Senate No. 1237 / Docket No. 2428).

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

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