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State of Play
- A recent survey found that a majority of Massachusetts voters polled supported legalizing state-regulated online casinos.
- The poll lands amid concerns over offshore sites targeting minors and insecure platforms, and supporters say regulation would shift play from a risky black market to a protected, taxable system.
- For Bay State bettors, the question is increasingly whether lawmakers will extend the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s consumer protections and revenue model to online casino products.
A Beacon Research poll of more than 1,000 Massachusetts voters showed that 59% of those polled support legal, state-regulated online casinos as legislators advance companion bills.
The survey – released by the Sports Betting Alliance, whose members include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, and Fanatics – also found strong consumer-protection concerns:
- 73% worry about risks from offshore casinos
- 77% see offshore sites as a consumer risk
- 76% say legalization would better prevent underage play
- 86% back adult choice
Proponents like Joe Maloney of the Sports Betting Alliance argue regulation closes the gap with the black market.
“Legal markets … do something illegal ones never have: We fund solutions and help customers find resources.”
Companion bills (H4431 and S235) are moving through committee with reporting deadlines in early March.
Proponents point to Michigan as a model
For Massachusetts players, legalization promises stronger age verification, mandated responsible gambling tools, and state enforcement that can compel payout and data protections – versus the patchwork risks of offshore sites.
Operators eyeing Bay State licenses would face different commercial terms depending on which bill advances. Rep. David Muradian’s proposal would cap skins at three per retail casino and tax revenue at 15%, while Sen. Paul Feeney’s plan limits two skins per licensed casino, allows four additional untethered licenses, and taxes revenue at 20%.
Financially, proponents point to steady, year-round online casino revenue. Michigan’s 2025 iGaming AGR was $2.9 billion, with $597.5 million in taxes and fees. They note that Massachusetts sports betting has already generated $408.41 million in fees and taxes since 2023.
Based on reporting by Bill Speros for Bookies.com.
