Bay State voters are much more inclined to support an Olympics spread around the state than one concentrated in Boston, though even then the games only garner 51 percent support, according to a new WBUR/MassINC Polling Group survey.

The prospect of an Olympics in the Boston region received a lackluster 39 support from Massachusetts voters, and 49 percent said they are opposed. Asked if they would support Olympics spread "across Massachusetts" those same respondents supported the idea, 51 percent to 37 percent.

Gov. Charlie Baker expects the second iteration of the 2024 Summer Games proposal, which is due out this month, to feature games spread around the state rather than the "walkable" plan unveiled in January.

Last week Boston 2024, which is carrying the bid and originally proposed Boston Harbor as the location for sailing competitions, announced the new proposed site of sailing races on Buzzards Bay, off the coast of New Bedford.

The low statewide support for a Boston area games mirrors support in the Boston area for bringing the games there. In April, MassINC found 40 percent of Boston area residents supported hosting the games, while 50 percent opposed it. Within the city of Boston, a slight majority supported the games in the April poll.

The U.S. Olympic Committee selected Boston to carry the country's bid in January based on its walkable plan, and as polls showed plummeting support top lawmakers called for the Olympics to benefit various regions around the state.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has since disclosed that there is "no guarantee" the committee would stick with Boston in September when intentions must be declared to the International Olympic Committee.

Officials and activists are preparing for a statewide referendum on the games, and though neighboring states boast scenic beauty, the discussion of venue selection has remained concentrated within state lines.

The increasing public support for a statewide games plays out across demographic groups with varying degrees, according to the poll. Among those with some college education but no degree, support for the games jumps from 49 percent for a Boston games to 63 percent for statewide contests. Those with an advanced degree remain opposed, with only 42 percent supporting statewide games, but that is an increase from the meager 30 percent of advanced degree-holders who support a Boston-centric games.

The poll surveyed 502 registered voters June 4-6 and it has a margin of error of 4.4 percent.

In southeastern Massachusetts, the idea of a statewide games caused support to jump 22 points to 66 percent support, among those surveyed. Officials in that area have also clamored for decades for commuter rail service and have grumbled about the region falling behind Greater Boston and western Massachusetts in casino licensing and development.

In other areas of the state, the idea of a statewide games was more popular than a Boston contest, though in and around Boston supporters of statewide games are still barely in a minority.

The poll shows 63 percent of those earning less than $25,000 a year oppose a Boston area games, though that opposition drops 20 points when asked about games spread around the state.

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