- The latest iGaming bill out of Massachusetts would regulate online casino gambling in the state, while also banning online sweepstakes casinos.
- House Bill 4431 would also implement a 15% tax rate on adjusted gross revenue, ban credit card deposits, and require AI monitoring of risky gambling behavior.
- There are plenty of hurdles for this bill to pass, most notably competition from the recently passed iLottery industry in the state.
BOSTON – A Massachusetts iGaming bill that would authorize online casino gambling in the commonwealth has been introduced. The bill, House Bill 4431, would introduce online gambling in 2026, but there are plenty of obstacles in the way of passing.
Representative David K. Muradian Jr.’s bill limits licensing to Massachusetts’ three land-based casino operators; Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino. These operators would be eligible for a five-year license worth $100,000 at a tax rate of 15% on adjusted gross revenue.
Other Key Bill Proposals Of HB 4431
- Prohibits Credit Card Deposits
- Bans Online Sweepstakes Casinos
- 15% Online Casino Tax Rate (important enough to double down)
- $20,000 Deposit Limit Per 24 Hours
- Allows Massachusetts To Enter Into Compacts With Other States
- Betting Activity Tracked By AI
Online Sweepstakes Casino Ban In Massachusetts
Section 19 of the bill targets online sweepstakes games in the Commonwealth, which is a strong stance. Criminalizing these sweepstakes casinos that operate in a legal gray area has become a trend across the nation, but House Bill 4431 looks to completely shut it down with criminalizing the operation, promotion, and facilitation of these products.
“It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to operate, conduct or promote online sweepstakes games within the commonwealth.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to take any action to support or assist in the operation, conduct or promotion of online sweepstakes games within the commonwealth.”
Will Massachusetts Online Casino Gambling Bill Pass?
This specific bill has an uphill battle to pass, especially considering Massachusetts just passed iLottery legislation in 2024. With that industry set to launch in 2026, HB 4431’s proposal to launch iGaming at the same time would step on the toes of a powerful entity.
Not to mention how poorly the state has handled online gambling in Massachusetts in terms of legal sports betting. With plenty of violations, sloppy regulatory oversight, and poor operator execution, criticism of more gambling expansion proposal expects to be criticized.