Massachusetts Lawmakers Debate Online Casino Legalization
On Monday, Massachusetts lawmakers will dive into legalizing online casinos, weighing two bills that could reshape the state’s gaming landscape with strict oversight.
A Push for iGaming
Massachusetts is gearing up to tackle online casino legalization with a Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure hearing set for June 23. House Bill 332 and Senate Bill 235, dubbed the “Massachusetts Internet Gaming Act,” aim to regulate iGaming under the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).
The proposed laws outline a clear framework. Three land-based casinos could each partner with up to two online platforms under Category 1 licenses, while four Category 2 licenses would go to independent online operators.
Licenses, valid for five years, cost $5 million to start or renew, with a $1 million temporary annual option during application reviews.
Operators would face a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue, matching online sports betting but below the 25% for brick-and-mortar casinos.
Protecting Players
Both bills prioritize consumer safety. They mandate statewide self-exclusion programs, “Know Your Customer” (KYC) checks, and anti-money laundering (AML) measures. Ads targeting those under 21 are banned, and a 1-800-GAMBLER banner must appear on all platforms.
Operators need annual responsible gaming plans and trained staff, ensuring players have tools to gamble safely. The laws also allow out-of-state live dealer studios and interstate gaming agreements, potentially joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) for poker liquidity.
MGC Chair Jordan Maynard, appointed in 2023, pushes for tight oversight. He backs a federal self-exclusion registry to stop players from dodging bans across state lines and calls for uniform national rules, likening the U.S. gaming industry to a “highway with no speed limit,”. Maynard questions if tech used to hook players could promote responsible gambling, emphasizing his role is to protect residents, not just grow the industry.
Massachusetts has a history of slow-rolling gambling policy, with online sports betting lagging years behind land-based casinos and online lotteries delayed until 2026. Even if the June 23 hearing advances House Bill 332 or Senate Bill 235, full iGaming rollout in 2025 is unlikely.
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