- Massachusetts lawmakers will vote on House Bill 978 on June 23, 2025, to legalize online casinos, expanding the $6.3B gambling market.
- The bill sets a 20% tax, $10M license fee, and responsible gaming rules; it could add $200–$300M yearly, but unions fear casino job losses.
- With 20% of 1.2M bettors using illegal sites, legal iGaming may curb offshore bets; stick to licensed sportsbooks like FanDuel until 2026 launch.
Why Massachusetts Is Considering iGaming
The push for online casino legalization comes as Massachusetts’ $6.3 billion gambling market thrives, with sports betting generating $567 million in revenue since its 2023 launch.
House Bill 978 seeks to expand digital gambling beyond sportsbooks, capitalizing on the success of neighboring states like Connecticut, where iGaming added $375 million in Q1 2025.
Lawmakers see a chance to boost tax revenue for public services, with 1.2 million state residents already betting online, 20% on unregulated sites. You can see the opportunity: legal iGaming could keep bets—and taxes—in-state.
See also:
- New York Crushes Sweepstakes Casinos with Unanimous Bill Passage
- Connecticut Bans Online Sweepstakes Casinos, Joining National Crackdown
- Romania’s Church Joins Fight Against Problem Gambling in National Strategy
Details of House Bill 978
HB 978, backed by Rep. David LeBoeuf, would allow online casino games like slots and table games on licensed platforms, mirroring sports betting’s framework. Operators would face a 20% tax rate, lower than New York’s 51%, and a $10 million license fee, with a five-year renewal.
The bill includes responsible gaming measures, like mandatory self-exclusion options, building on the state’s 15,000 GamStop users in 2024. Critics, including casino unions, worry about job losses at land-based venues like MGM Springfield, while supporters cite job creation in tech. You might notice the balance: revenue versus local impacts is a hot debate.
Impact on Massachusetts’ Gambling Industry
Legalizing iGaming could add $200–$300 million annually to state coffers, based on Pennsylvania’s $1.84 billion iGaming revenue in 2024. Regulated platforms like DraftKings would gain, but offshore sites, taking 15% of U.S. bets in 2024, could lose ground.
For you, this means safer betting options with consumer protections, unlike unregulated platforms risking fraud. X posts show excitement for convenience but concern over addiction, with 1.5% of residents showing problem gambling signs in a 2024 study.
With six states already offering iGaming, Massachusetts risks falling behind. You might ask: will this boost the economy or strain communities?
What’s Next for Massachusetts’ Gambling Future
The June 23, 2025, vote will decide HB 978’s fate, with a Senate vote and Gov. Maura Healey’s signature needed for law. If passed, iGaming could launch by mid-2026, aligning with the state’s sports betting timeline.
The Gaming Commission will oversee licensing, ensuring compliance with responsible gaming rules. You might be curious about safe betting: stick to licensed sportsbooks like FanDuel until iGaming is legal.
As Massachusetts’ $6.3 billion market eyes expansion, the vote could reshape digital gambling, balancing revenue and player safety.
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