A House bill that looks to legalize online casino gaming in Massachusetts also proposes restricting sweepstakes gambling.
A new bill gaining momentum on Beacon Hill could bring legal online casinos to Massachusetts. It could also ban sweepstakes gambling.
The state has already seen success with online sports betting. It has also previously approved online lottery sales. However, last efforts to legalize online casino gaming, often called iGaming have continuously stalled.
David K. Muradian Jr., the State Representative filed House bill H.4431 in January which would legalize and regulate online casino games in Massachusetts. These include digital slot machines, poker, blackjack, as well as other casino-style games. Regulation would fall to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). The agency already oversees the state’s casinos, horse racing, and sports betting.
The bill wrote that illegal internet gaming channels operating throughout the United States pose a critical threat to the safety and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth. A secure and highly regulated policy framework will protect the public and positively benefit state revenues and the Commonwealth’s economy.
The proposal would let licensed casino operators to apply for iGaming licenses, valid for five years. Operators would pay a $100,000 application fee, plus $50,000 for each additional online brand, or skin. The commission would collect a 15% tax on revenue every month.
The bill also proposes a complete ban on sweepstakes gambling. These unregulated sites let players buy virtual currency, usually coins or tokens, to play games. Players can also redeem it for prizes or cash. Per offense, violators facing fines from $10,000 to $100,000. Authorities could strip repeat offenders of their licenses or sentence them to up to two years in prison.
A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Thomas Mills, told Boston.com in an interview that the Commission believes that if you choose to gamble, the best place to gamble is with a licensed and regulated operator in the Commonwealth.
