Massachusetts lawmakers have sent an online casino bill to study, effectively ending iGaming legalization efforts this session
The bill, H 4431 filed by Rep. David Muradian, would have legalized online casino gaming in the state, allowing licensed operators to offer digital slots, table games and other casino products statewide.
The decision followed a Monday deadline for the committee to act on pending legislation. Instead of advancing the bill, lawmakers sent it to study; a move that means no further action this session for the bill.
Muradian: online casino bill sparked discussion
Muradian told LSR the outcome reflects the legislative timeline rather than a lack of engagement on the issue.
The bill received a public hearing in November, after which the committee entered its rules-based deliberation period. An extension order gave lawmakers additional time, but a final decision was required by Monday.
“While not the result myself or many of my colleagues had hoped for, I believe H4431 began a much needed conversation as we continue to evolve as a Commonwealth,” Muradian said. “I appreciate the open conversations with Chair Fiola, Chair Finegold and the committee, as well as numerous stakeholders who helped in crafting this legislation.
“I look forward to having an opportunity to re-file this bill next session, as the conversations around iGaming have certainly proven to be worthwhile and overdue. The momentum H4431 created this session will hopefully serve as a springboard to future economic growth in Massachusetts, while always focusing on consumer protections and safeguards.”
Concerns over online casino remain
Testimony during the November hearing reflected a clear divide.
Supporters said legal online casinos would generate tax revenue and bring offshore play into a regulated market. Opponents, including public health advocates, warned that online casino gaming, widely viewed as more addictive than sports betting, could increase gambling related harm.
Some lawmakers also signaled hesitation about expanding gambling before fully assessing the impact of the state’s recently launched sports betting market.
Sports betting restrictions bill moves forward
While iGaming’s proposal stalled, lawmakers continue to advance legislation that would significantly tighten the existing sports betting market.
S 302 by Sen. John Keenan, was passed out of the Senate Ways and Means committee earlier this month. It would add multiple new restrictions to the Massachusetts sports betting market:
- Ban in-play and proposition bets.
- Prohibit betting advertisements during televised sporting events.
- Limit wagering to $1,000 per day and $10,000 per month unless affordability checks are conducted.
- Raise the tax rate on sportsbooks to 51% from 20%.
- Bar compensation tied to bettor losses or deposits.
- Expand data reporting requirements to track gambling behavior and addiction trends.
Keenan: ‘spinning out of control’
At the November hearing, Keenan said lawmakers underestimated the risks tied to legal sports betting.
“When I voted to legalize sports betting I never thought it would become what it is,” he said. “We unleashed an industry that now promotes betting on anything and everything imaginable… 24 hours a day, every single day.”
Keenan said he regrets his vote and apologized to those affected by gambling addiction.
“This bill is an opportunity to put guardrails in place to fix what is so obviously wrong with sports betting.”
