Massachusetts introduces controversial igaming bill
The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure met on Monday to discuss various bills, including a provision allowing state residents to play online casino games.
The bills, Senate Bill 235 and House Bill 332, would create a regulatory framework to support internet gaming in the state if passed.
Yet, the two bills remain controversial. Opponents have said this will worsen gambling problems in the state. In contrast, industry experts argued that online gambling is happening anyway on illegal sites, so legalizing at-home casino gaming would be a way to protect consumers.
“Online casino gaming is already happening in Massachusetts, just not in a legal, regulated, or taxed environment,” said David Prestwood, Government Affairs Manager for DraftKings.
Prestwood, who addressed the committee, said he had done several internet searches for the “best online casinos Massachusetts” before the meeting and had come across multiple unlicensed gaming entities that were happy to take his business.
He also added that illegal online casino gaming is a national US$330 billion industry, with Massachusetts expecting to see at least US$230 million in net revenue if legalized.
On the other side, Brianne Doura-Schawohl, a problem gaming expert, argued that states that have already legalized igaming have heard the same kind of speech before doing so, but it still led to a rise in addiction issues.
According to the Boston Herald, she called internet gaming the “fast food of gambling” and called on legislators to “consider this policy with eyes wide open.”
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