A state lawmaker has confirmed he’s working on a casino bill for the next legislative session
Massachusetts could soon join the growing list of states exploring online casino legalization. State Representative David Muradian has indicated plans to introduce a bill in January 2025 that would pave the way for regulated online casino gaming in the state. If successful, Massachusetts would become the eighth state in the US to offer legal online casinos.
The state has been gradually expanding its gaming industry over the years. After passing the Expanded Gaming Act in 2011, which allowed for the establishment of land-based casinos, Massachusetts launched mobile sports betting in March 2023. The potential move toward online casinos is seen as the next logical step in this progression. Muradian pointed out that neighboring states like Connecticut and Rhode Island have already embraced online gaming, making it a natural consideration for Massachusetts as well.
Legalizing online casinos could bring significant revenue to the state and further cement its position as a leader in the gaming industry. Additionally, this move could open the door for regulated online poker, which would be an exciting development for poker enthusiasts in the Bay State.
While the idea of online casino legalization is gaining traction, it’s expected to spark debate among lawmakers. Some may express concerns about the impact on existing land-based casinos and the potential risks of increased gambling. However, the growing trend across the US suggests that Massachusetts could very well be on the verge of expanding its gaming landscape even further.
As the conversation around this potential legislation continues, it will be interesting to see how Massachusetts positions itself in the evolving world of online gaming.