Massachusetts Removes International Boxing Association Events From Betting Catalog
Massachusetts boxing fans will no longer be able to wager on events hosted by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has removed all IBA events from its betting catalog. Now, Massachusetts sportsbooks will no longer host odds for events run by the boxing governing body. Bettors with open bets will see wagers voided and refunded.
Ukraine And Russia Conflict Affected Massachusetts Decision To Remove IBA Events
MGC officials prevented sportsbooks from offering odds on events backed by Russian or Belarusian governing bodies in 2022 when regulating sports betting. This was due to the increased conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The IBA was the only international sports body overseen by a Russian citizen included in the catalog. Officials voted unanimously to remove IBA events from its betting catalog.
The IBA is no stranger to controversies, earning a ban from the Olympics qualifying circuit last year. Following scandals, including financial misdeeds and unqualified judges, the Olympic Committee expelled the governing body from participating.
Massachusetts Gaming Commission Has Been Busy
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been active in 2024. Massachusetts has spearheaded the discussion on sportsbooks limiting players, hosting a roundtable on the matter. Sportsbooks did not attend the initial roundtable, but the MGC is hosting another in October.
Lawmakers are also interested in working with American Bettors’ Voice to discuss the issue on limiting winning bettors. The MGC is the first regulating body to show interest in working with the sports bettors’ advocacy group.
Massachusetts Betting Market Thriving
The MGC’s work is also paying off, as the Bay State continues to see substantial betting numbers. The most recent July revenue report shows locals wagered $411,791,698.83, with sportsbooks seeing $41,207,349.48 off of a 10.26% hold. Massachusetts collected $8,187,324.01 in state taxes.
July was a slower month for Massachusetts, being the first month of 2024 to not crack $500 million in betting handle. Still, the Massachusetts betting market has been a consistent success since its launch.
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