Amendment #14 to H3977

Expansion of Sports Wagering Operations

Mr. Hill of Ipswich moves to amend the bill in Section 2 by inserting after the word “occurrence” the following: -

“Category 4 license,” a license issued by the commission that permits the operation of sports wagering (a) throughout the Commonwealth through a mobile application and other digital platforms approved by the commission, and (b) in person at a location at, adjacent to, or within a half-mile radius of a professional sports facility, or, in the case of a professional sports facility that hosts a PGA TOUR-sanctioned tournament event located in the Commonwealth, a one-mile radius of the professional sports facility.

“Professional sports facility,” a facility that hosts sporting events for a professional sports team.

“Professional sports team designee,” any person designated by a professional sports team as being authorized to receive a sports wagering license in lieu of the professional sports team.

“Professional sports team,” the owner or operator of a Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League, Major League Soccer or National Hockey League professional sports team that plays its home games in the Commonwealth, or the operator of one facility that hosts a PGA TOUR-sanctioned tournament event located in the Commonwealth on an annual basis.

And further amend Section 2 by inserting before the words “(c)(1) A qualified gaming entity” the following: -

(5)(A)  The commission shall issue a Category 4 license to any professional sports team or professional sports team designee that meets the requirements of this chapter and the rules and regulations of the commission; provided, that not more than one Category 4 license shall be issued with respect to each professional sports team.  If a professional sports team designates a professional sports team designee, the professional sports team designee solely will apply for a Category 4 license and be considered the operator or sports wagering operator under this chapter.

(B)  A Category 4 license holder shall conduct its sports wagering operations with no direct or indirect involvement of any officer, employee, or agent of a professional sports team or any individual with access to non-public confidential information held by a professional sports team.  A professional sports team shall not be responsible for ensuring compliance by its professional sports team designee with applicable rules and regulations.

(C)  No person other than a professional sports license holder shall conduct sports wagering in person at a location at, adjacent to or within a half-mile radius of a professional sports facility, or, in the case of a professional sports facility that hosts a PGA TOUR-sanctioned tournament event located in the Commonwealth, a one-mile radius of the professional sports facility.