Applying an 11th-hour bandage to keep simulcast centers and local horse races running — or in at least one case to revive them after they briefly became illegal — has evolved into something of an annual tradition on Beacon Hill, but this time around the scenario could be even more complicated than usual.
With the July 31 expiration of simulcast and horse racing laws once again approaching, lawmakers must now weigh a temporary extension to the practices against the chances of finalizing a sports betting legalization package that could permanently impact the two fields.
For the first time ever, both the House and the Senate approved legislation this session that would legalize wagering on sports in Massachusetts, though the branches remain far apart on details and it remains unclear when or even if a conference committee will produce a compromise bill.
