Massachusetts is getting ready to overtake its on-line playing framework with House Bill 4431, launched by Representative David Muradian. The proposal would set up a regulated on-line on line casino market whereas imposing an entire ban on sweepstakes-style platforms that use dual-currency programs. If authorised, the legislation will take impact on January 1, 2026.
Licensing, Regulation, and Player Protections
Filed in January 2025 and now below evaluate by the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, House Bill 4431 units out a structured system for iGaming regulation. The laws grants licensing eligibility completely to Massachusetts’ three business casinos — Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino — with every capable of accomplice with as much as three branded operators.
Licenses will value $100,000 for software and renewal, and will stay legitimate for 5 years. Operators would pay a 15% tax charge on adjusted gross income, barely beneath the 20% charge already utilized to on-line sports activities betting. Tax income would feed into an Internet Gaming Fund, overseen by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), to cowl regulatory bills and accountable playing applications.
The proposal permits on-line slots, desk video games, poker, peer-to-peer, and skill-based gaming. Strict limits are outlined to assist safer play: deposits can not exceed $20,000 inside a 24-hour interval, bank card deposits are banned, and participation can be restricted to gamers aged 21 and older. Additionally, a Player Health Program funded by taxes and charges would promote accountable playing and present sources for remedy and restoration providers.
Strict Sweepstake Ban
A key function of House Bill 4431 is the whole prohibition of on-line sweepstakes casinos, which regularly function in legally ambiguous areas. The invoice explicitly defines these platforms as any on-line or cellular recreation awarding prizes based mostly on probability, simulating casino-style actions, and utilizing a dual-currency system.
Section 19 of the invoice states that working, selling, or helping sweepstakes casinos inside Massachusetts is illegal. Penalties embrace fines between $10,000 and $100,000 per violation, potential license loss, and as much as two years in jail for repeat offenses. The MGC is empowered to conduct investigations, maintain hearings, and challenge subpoenas to implement compliance.
Industry stakeholders have criticized the proposal. The Social & Promotional Games Association (SPGA) argues the ban displays “a poor understanding of the sweepstakes,” claiming it unfairly targets platforms working legally and might hurt legit companies.
Revenue Context and Economic Outlook
Supporters argue that the introduction of regulated iGaming will enhance income and client protections. Sports betting income within the state rose 53.4% year-over-year in June 2025 to $62.1 million, indicating sturdy market demand that proponents imagine will prolong to iGaming.
At the identical time, latest figures from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission present on line casino revenues holding regular, with a slight year-over-year enhance of 0.02% in July 2025, from $99.47 million to $99.5 million. Plainridge Park Casino led with a 6.2% rise, whereas MGM Springfield reported a 1.8% enhance. Encore Boston Harbor, which accounts for greater than 60% of complete income, skilled a 2.1% dip. Slot revenues grew to $72.2 million collectively, whereas desk video games noticed a decline from $30.6 million to $27.3 million.
Despite this steady income, a latest state survey exhibits growing considerations over playing harms, aligning with the invoice’s concentrate on accountable play and enhanced monitoring.
Next Steps within the Legislative Process
The invoice has bipartisan assist and would place Massachusetts because the eighth U.S. state to legalize on-line on line casino gaming, becoming a member of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. However, the proposal nonetheless must go by the legislature and safe Governor Maura Healey’s approval earlier than changing into legislation.
During the legislative course of, changes to tax charges, deposit caps, and enforcement provisions are potential as policymakers think about the stability between trade development and participant safety.
Sources:
Daniel Wallach’s Post, linkedin.com, August 2025
