It became clear late last year that Massachusetts lawmakers were pondering the possibility to legalize online gambling within the state’s borders. According to local media, discussions on the topic have already begun and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has started exploring the possible ways for the legalization and regulation of iGaming activities.
A report compiled by the state gambling regulator is expected to be published this week. It is likely to include information about the findings of a specially appointed Commission on Online Gaming, Fantasy Sports Gaming, and Daily Fantasy Sports. Last November, commission members were charged with the responsible task to create a regulatory framework for the state’s daily fantasy sports industry and to collect information about the potential a legalized online gambling may hold.
The legalization of online poker and other gambling activities has emerged as a topic over the years, but has not been paid very special attention. Here it is important to note that the iGaming effort has a very influential proponent and this may help it gain certain momentum if introduced to the state Legislature.
Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby, who is also a member of the above-mentioned research commission, has said on numerous occasions that online gaming activities may prove to be good for the state’s gambling industry as they would bring additional revenues.
However, if Massachusetts initiates an actual push for iGaming legalization, this may not be welcomed by its land-based gambling venues. It was several years ago when the state authorized the construction of up to three commercial casino resorts in three designated regions. It has later on become clear that there will be two such resorts to be built and launched – the $950-million MGM Springfield in downtown Springfield and the $1.7-billion Wynn Boston Harbor on the Everett waterfront.
As reported by local media, MGM Springfield officials have noted that they would prefer it if gambling was limited to land-based casino licensees. On the other hand, regulators see online gambling as an opportunity for a younger gambling demographic to be attracted.
Massachusetts has become yet another state to be considering iGaming as a good way to expand its gambling industry, Pennsylvania and New York being some of the other, although it is still too far from actually realizing the idea. It does not seem that online gambling could be legalized before the end of the year.
