- Massachusetts considered a regulated online casino industry during Thursday’s committee hearing.
- According to DraftKings Senior Government Affairs Manager Rebecca London, Massachusetts online casinos could generate up to $200 million in monthly revenue.
- The proposed internet gaming bill (MA HB 4431) emphasizes responsible gambling in the Commonwealth, but would allow 21+ players to play casino games online.
BOSTON – Discussions of internet gaming were the focus of Thursday’s hearing at the Massachusetts Joint Committee On Economic Development And Emerging Technologies. Many testified in favor of the Commonwealth implementing Massachusetts online casinos, which would have great economic benefits for the state.
Based on Rebecca London’s testimony, Massachusetts could “conservatively generate $170 to $200 million annually without additional taxes on Commonwealth residents.” London is a senior government affairs manager at DraftKings, and she claims that based on the state’s strong sports betting market and large population, the best legal casinos should outperform early numbers posted by other states with iGaming.
House Bill 4431 Would Bring iGaming To Massachusetts
David Muradian’s House Bill 4431 would regulate online casino gambling in the Commonwealth. It states that “it is in the best interests of the commonwealth for the commonwealth to operate internet gaming and that it is the intent of the general court to authorize internet gaming within the commonwealth and through reciprocal agreements with other approved jurisdictions.”
Muradian reminded committee members that this bill has a strong emphasis on responsible gaming, implementing protective measures like deposit limits ($20,000 max in 24-hour span), constant operator monitoring for problem gambling, and more consumer protections. He also emphasized that online gambling is already occurring in the state, just without any oversight or local regulation.
iGaming legislation would allow local casinos to offer online gambling under the regulation of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Adjusted gross internet gaming revenue would be taxed at 15%, the majority of which would go towards local aid and education.
Passage of MA HB 4431 would put Massachusetts alongside other states with legal casinos like Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.