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Massachusetts will begin exploring online casino legalization in 2025.
Rep. David Muradian told PlayUSA he plans to file Massachusetts online casino legislation in January.
“It seems like the next logical step,” Muradian said. “We did casinos, we did sports wagering, we did iLottery. The logical progression is to look at how we can potentially legalize iGaming, especially when our neighboring states of Connecticut and Rhode Island are already doing it.”
Muradian is on NCLGS iGaming model legislation committee
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States is working on iGaming model legislation.
Muradian is on the NCLGS committee that will approve the model legislation. He said he volunteered to be on the committee to learn more about the issues around iCasino for Massachusetts.
“The NCLGS iGaming model legislation will be helpful in crafting legislation in the future, not just for the Commonwealth but for any state looking to grow revenue without going on the backs of tax payers.”
NCLGS plans to approve an iGaming model at its December conference in New Orleans.
Muradian said he will use the NCLGS model to inform the bill he files in January. PlayUSA will update future Massachusetts iCasino legislation along with other states on the online casino bill tracker page.
MA iLottery passage could help or hinder iGaming efforts
Last month, the Massachusetts legislature and governor authorized online lottery in the 2025 fiscal year budget.
According to PlayiLottery, Massachusetts will pursue the development of instant-win games that play like online slots.
Muradian believes iLottery passage could help set up Massachusetts consideration of iCasino. In Michigan, the state legalized online lottery first and followed with iGaming. Online casino proponents can soon argue that the state already is offering similar online games.
However, the downside of iLottery authorization is that the Massachusetts Lottery might oppose competition from iGaming. Lottery representatives can argue the state needs to protect revenue earmarked to fund early childhood education and care programs.
And with the Massachusetts Lottery targeting a December 2025 launch for iLottery, state leaders might want to wait until the online lottery is up and running before they consider online casino.
Muradian looks to get Maschusetts iGaming conversation started
As a Republican in the Democrat-controlled Massachusetts legislature, Muradian can’t take the lead on an iGaming bill that has any chance of passing.
But he can get the conversation started on the proper framework for online casino using what he has learned from NCLGS.
Muradian said he doesn’t know of any Democrats considering filing online casino legislation. When Massachusetts legalized sports betting, many lawmakers filed different variations of a bill.
“If there is another bill, I’ll reach out to the sponsor and see if we can work together,” Muradian said. “Those conversations are probably further down the line. I’ve talked to several colleagues who have interest in it, but I don’t know whether they would want to be chief sponsors or sign on to my bill. I’ll get something filed and try to get as many people on board as I can.”
As with Massachusetts iLottery, a big revenue generator such as online casino tends to get included in budget discussions. Muradian said he believes Massachusetts will be looking for additional revenue to balance budgets in the coming years.
“Our revenues could be in some trouble,” Muradian said. “So, for me, iGaming is a way to provide an alternative to make sure that when we balance the checkbooks, it’s not on the backs of hardworking tax payers. Anytime we can bring something new to the market for additional revenue instead of raising taxes, it’s something we should consider.”
It took Massachusetts years to legalize sports betting. Online casino legalization efforts could take time as well.
“Realistically, the process to pass iGaming could take a few years,” Muradian said. “That’s OK, as I’m committed to starting the conversation in earnest. But if other states start moving on this, we’ll understand that Massachusetts doesn’t want to be left behind.”
