The renewed discussions don’t mean that online gambling is coming this year
Lawmakers in Massachusetts are once again considering whether to legalize online casino gaming, following renewed calls from industry leaders to regulate a market they argue is already thriving, just illegally.
On Monday, the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing to review proposed legislation that would allow adults in the state to play digital versions of traditional casino games, including slots, roulette, and blackjack, from their mobile devices or computers.
Industry voices such as DraftKings’ David Prestwood urged legislators to act quickly, noting that unregulated online gambling is already widespread across Massachusetts. Prestwood said that residents can access offshore gaming platforms with a simple online search—platforms that provide no consumer protections, avoid age checks, and don’t contribute any tax revenue. He argued that legalizing and regulating the activity could help close a dangerous loophole and generate significant state income.
FanDuel’s James Hartman echoed those concerns, warning that illegal operators market to Massachusetts residents using celebrity endorsements to build credibility. He cited estimates of a $7 billion annual underground market in the state. Hartman also pointed to serious data security concerns and the lack of safeguards for vulnerable users.
Prestwood projected that legal online casino gaming could bring in up to $275 million in tax revenue annually for Massachusetts, citing success stories from other states such as New Jersey and Michigan.
However, critics warned the committee to proceed with caution. Brianne Doura-Schawohl, an advisor on problem gambling, warned that states with legal iGaming often see a high percentage of revenue come from a small group of addicted users.
She described iGaming as highly addictive, referring to it as the “fast food of gambling,” and pointed to data from Connecticut showing 70% of online casino revenue came from just 7% of players.
No decision was made during the hearing, but the debate reflects growing tension between financial opportunity and public health concerns as Massachusetts weighs its next move.
