The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to continue taxing sports betting operators on revenue generated by promotional play. Though the state’s sports wagering regulator has not been allowing tax deductions for promotional play, it stated previously it would keep the discussion open.
Tuesday, the MGC brought further clarity to operators doing business in the state by voting 5-0 against promotional play tax deductions. Prior to the vote, the group examined tax revenue data from a few states to compare the costs and benefits of promotional play deductions.'
Additionally, the MGC briefly went into closed session to discuss the topic with RSM, an auditing company that analyzed financial data related to promotional play measures.
Commissioners in agreement
Often, MGC commissioners embark on lengthy debates about topics with a wide range of opinions. That wasn’t the case Tuesday, as the commissioners were in agreement that promotional play such as bonus bets should be taxed. They cited a few reasons, including a belief that it was what the state legislature wanted when it legalized sports betting.