Massachusetts Pauses Online Casino Legalization Bill

A bill to legalize online casinos in Massachusetts has been effectively set aside. The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies voted 11-0 to move the bill to study. A study order means the bill could be looked at during recess. However, it’s usually how lawmakers quietly kill the measure.

Rep. David Muradian Jr. (R) sponsored bill H.4431. The legislation legalizes online gaming and poker in the Bay State. Under Muradian’s bill, the state’s three casinos – Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor in Everett – could offer up to three online gaming skins.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission would regulate the industry. Additionally, the state would tax 15% of gross revenue. Operators would pay a $100,000 application fee plus an additional $50,000 for each skin. The bill bans sweepstakes casino operators. The bill allows for “reciprocal agreements with other approved jurisdictions,” meaning joining the country’s Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).