Encore Boston Harbor has advised Massachusetts legislators to dismiss a proposed online gambling bill, warning that the introduction of internet casino games could “cannibalize” the local brick-and-mortar casinos, jeopardizing thousands of jobs in the state.
During a hearing on November 13 held by the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Encore indicated that this bill could potentially lead to the loss of nearly 1,800 jobs and result in a GDP decrease of about $450 million. “Online casino gambling is a risky move for Massachusetts,” stated Eileen McAnneny, the executive director of government relations at the casino, in a letter addressed to lawmakers.
The legislation, put forward by Representative David Muradian, would grant the Massachusetts Gaming Commission the authority to oversee internet gaming, levy a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue , and limit online licenses exclusively to current casino operators. If the bill passes, residents would be able to engage in online slots, poker, blackjack, and various other digital casino games; online sports betting has already been legalized in the state since 2023.
Muradian articulated to the lawmakers that legalizing iGaming would help bring illicit betting into the open, improve consumer safeguards through age and geographic verification, and prevent tax revenues from migrating overseas.
Opponents contend that permitting online casinos would siphon customers away from physical venues, diminish tax income, and exacerbate gambling addiction issues. Massachusetts hosts three casinos: Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, and MGM Springfield.
PENN Entertainment, which owns Plainridge Park, expressed support for legalization but advocated for retaining licenses tied to physical casinos. Jeff Morris, the company’s vice president of public affairs and government relations, mentioned in a letter that this strategy would promote growth without undermining existing in-person businesses.
Adjacent states like Connecticut and Rhode Island have already embraced iGaming, along with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Delaware. Additionally, State Senator Paul Feeney has introduced a separate bill aimed at establishing a regulated framework for online casinos.
Concerns regarding gambling addiction have also surged among lawmakers. A recent study by the University of Massachusetts discovered that gambling-related problems escalated from 20.9% in 2022 to 28% in 2024 following the launch of sports betting.
Former state representative David Nangle, a public advocate for tackling gambling addiction, encouraged legislators to dismiss the proposal. He referenced a warning from Harvard public health professor Shekhar Saxena stating that online gambling is “ten times more detrimental” than traditional forms, asserting, “There’s no Narcan for gambling. Don’t convert every cellphone in Massachusetts into a casino.”