Online sports betting begins in Massachusetts

Massachusetts sports fans raced to their cell phones Friday to begin placing bets as the state allowed online sports wagering just days ahead of tip-off of the NCAA Tournament next week.

Taylor Foehl, Massachusetts Sports Better said " Today at 10:00 in the morning, mobile sports gaming became legal in Massachusetts, so joining many other states around the country. I think there are five or six different platforms that you can ... have their licenses."

The move comes a little over a month since the state began allowing in-person sports betting at the state’s three casinos — Encore Boston Harbor in Boston, Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, and MGM Springfield in Springfield. Lawmakers estimate sports betting could generate about $60 million in annual tax revenue and $70 million to $80 million in initial licensing fees, which must be renewed every five years.