"The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Muradian, would grant the Massachusetts Gaming Commission full regulatory authority over internet gaming, impose a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue, and limit licensure to licensed casino operators. If passed, iGaming would allow people to play digital slot machines, poker, blackjack, and other casino-style games from the comfort of their homes."
"At the hearing last week, Muradian argued that legalizing iGaming would bring online gaming "out of the shadows" and under the oversight of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. He said the bill would let existing casino operators offer regulated online games, protect players through age and location verification, and require companies to monitor for problem gambling. Muradian added that the measure would keep tax revenue in Massachusetts rather than sending it overseas."
"Encore Boston Harbor, in a letter to the state Legislature last week, blasted a proposed bill that would make online gambling legal in the state, saying it would "cannibalize" the brick-and-mortar casinos. The issue came to a head at the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies' first hearing on the bill on Nov. 13. Supporters say it would help curb illegal gambling and raise tax revenues. Opponents say it would result in retail casinos losing customers, resulting in a loss of jobs and taxes and increasing gambling addiction."
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation to legalize iGaming, granting the Massachusetts Gaming Commission full regulatory authority, imposing a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue, and limiting licenses to existing casino operators. The proposal would permit online slot machines, poker, blackjack and other casino-style games while allowing licensed casinos to offer regulated digital platforms. Supporters argue legal online gaming will curb illegal activity, protect players with age and location verification, require problem-gambling monitoring, and keep tax revenue in-state. Opponents, including Encore Boston Harbor, warn of cannibalizing retail casinos, lost customers, job and tax revenue declines, and increased gambling addiction. Several neighboring states and others have already legalized iGaming, and similar bills exist in the Legislature.
Read at Boston.com
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