Hope Quickly Fading For MA Online Gambling And Lottery This Year

At the start of the year, Massachusetts appeared to be a promising contender for advancing online gambling and online lottery legislation. However, despite being only halfway through the year, reports from Boston indicate that neither of these causes are likely to progress in the current year.

Senate President tells online gaming better luck next year

State Senate President Stan Rosenberg has delivered the unfortunate news that the issues are highly unlikely to be addressed this year, as reported by Statehouse News (paywall) during a radio interview.

Rosenberg acknowledged that online gaming could be considered for discussion in 2018 but emphasized the importance of ensuring that online lotteries and casinos do not pose a threat to their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

At present, there is an ongoing review concerning online lottery and online gaming in order to find a suitable approach that avoids any negative impact on the lottery. Additionally, the casino industry being established in Massachusetts is also being considered to ensure that it is not adversely affected by online gaming.

Cannibalization of land-based casinos again a concern

Those in favor of online gambling strongly dislike the idea of cannibalization being brought up. In New Jersey, online casinos undeniably help the traditional ones, to the extent that operators are eagerly seeking licenses.

Michigan serves as an excellent illustration of the harmonious relationship between online and land-based lottery, exemplifying their seamless integration.

The only physical casino in the state does have concerns about cannibalization, unfortunately. Plainridge Park, earlier this year, advised lawmakers to proceed cautiously with online gambling. According to General Manager Lance George,

The Legislature must prioritize a thorough assessment of any policy change that impacts job and revenue generation in industries operating physical establishments, particularly when these industries are novel to the state.

However, MGM Resorts, currently constructing MGM Springfield, strongly supports online gambling. Recently, the company revealed the introduction of playMGM online poker and casino in New Jersey.

In the meantime, Wynn Resorts, which is currently engaged in the construction of a casino in Massachusetts, has recently stated that it will not hinder the progress of online gambling legislation.

So where does online gambling progress stand in MA?

Lawmakers’ willingness to advance on gambling expansion was demonstrated last year when the state passed a bill legalizing daily fantasy sports (DFS).

Deborah Goldberg, the State Treasurer, passionately backs the concept of online lotteries. In an interview with The Sun Chronicle, she explained why she believes it is crucial to expand such platforms.

Due to the forthcoming establishment of casinos, rising competition from daily fantasy sports, the prevailing trend of online transactions over point-of-sale, and our aging Lottery demographic, we are compelled to seek alternative approaches.

However, the truth is that the progress of online lottery took a step back in 2017. Despite the Senate passing a bill allowing online lottery sales last year, it ultimately did not succeed in the House.

Up until now, there has been a lack of advancement in the realm of online lottery this year. Despite the introduction of a bill, it has made no significant progress thus far.

In January, Senator Bruce Tarr introduced an online casino bill, S200.

Rosenberg’s recent remarks suggest that both bills are unlikely to make any progress. However, there is a small ray of hope as it is anticipated that the legislature will finally consider these two ideas seriously in 2018.