Massachusetts lawmakers are discussing the merits of legalizing online casinos in the Bay State.
According to Legal Sports Report, The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on Monday convened to discuss online casino legislation, specifically Senate Bill 235 and House Bill 332. Each measure would legalize online games such as slot machines, roulette, craps, and table games.
The bills were only discussed; neither was voted upon.
Proponents warn of illegal operators
Lawmakers’ discussions largely mirrored those held in other states that have debated online casino legalization.
Proponents argued that iGaming was already in effect in Massachusetts through unregulated and unlicensed operators.
DraftKings Government Affairs Manager David Prestwood said illegal online casinos are stealing customers from the legal casino market in Massachusetts. He also pointed out that the state could collect $275 million annually from a legal iGaming market (at a 20% tax rate).
“Massachusetts can lead by passing smart, well-regulated, and reasonably taxed iGaming legislation, protecting citizens while unlocking hundreds of millions in new revenue.”
FanDuel representative James Hartman argued that unlicensed online casinos rake in around $330 billion in annual revenue nationwide.
Opponents point to job losses, problem gambling
Critics, meanwhile, warned that legalizing online casinos would cannibalize the gaming revenue enjoyed by the state’s three retail casinos: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino.
Jaimie McNeil, a representative for the Local 26 union, said that close to 4,000 casino and support jobs could be placed at risk if iGaming was legalized.
“In Atlantic City, [New Jersey], while iGaming revenue grew 395% from 2019 to 2024, total employment fell 17%, a loss of over 5,000 jobs.”
Problem gambling expert Brianne Doura-Schawohl alerted lawmakers as to the adverse effects online gambling could have on Massachusetts residents.
“You should consider this policy with eyes wide open. It may result in more harm than good.”
Only seven states allow legal online casinos. Notably, the majority of those states are close to Massachusetts, including Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Measures allow each MA casino to have 2 iGaming skins
Both SB 235 and HB 332 would direct the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) to license and regulate online casino operators.
Under the legislation, each of the state’s three retail casinos would be allowed to partner with up to two iGaming operators. The MGC would also be able to license four untethered operators.
Operators would pay $5 million for a five-year license.
A final bill would need approval from both houses of the Massachusetts Legislature and a signature from Gov. Maura Healey (D) to become law.
Massachusetts legalized retail casinos in 2011 and sports betting in 2022. It ranked 14th in state casino gaming revenue in 2024, according to Statista.
New Hampshire is also considering online casino legalization, and Maine recently passed an iGaming bill. However, it still has to clear a Special Appropriations Table and receive Gov. Janet Mills’ (D) signature.