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Massachusetts Could Legalize Online Gaming And Poker

The American state of Massachusetts is considering a proposal that could be good news for the online gaming and poker industry and would likely boost the state’s finances. The state wants to establish legislation to legalize online gaming and poker within its borders. Work on this has already begun, though it might still be some years before the actual legalization happens.

All about the proposed Massachusetts legislation

Massachusetts currently bans real money and online poker. However, with this legislation, Massachusetts could soon become a prominent geography in the online gaming and poker industry.

Legislation to legalize online gaming and poker has already been introduced in the House and Senate. These proposals would allow the state’s casinos to act as Category 1 licensees, enabling them to host two skins and offer separate branding for online poker. Additionally, Category 2 licensees—companies without existing gaming licences—could receive up to four licenses for a $5 million fee, valid for five years.

The proposed tax rate for online gaming would be 20%, and the legislation would permit Massachusetts to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association. This could expand the shared player pool for online poker by adding a state with a population of seven million. However, it remains uncertain whether the issue will receive votes in both legislative chambers.

SD 1657, the sports betting bill, proposes significant changes, including banning prop and in-play betting, prohibiting advertisements during televised sporting events, and raising the tax rate to 51%.

The bill also includes measures to prevent excessive gambling. Bettors would be restricted from placing wagers exceeding $1,000 per day or $10,000 per month unless the operator conducts an affordability assessment. This assessment would ensure that the amounts wagered do not exceed 15% of the individual’s available bank account funds.

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Another bill, SD 2428, filed by Sen. Jacob Oliveira, seeks to prohibit wagering on elections. If approved, the measure would take immediate effect as an emergency law. Federal officials are also pursuing a nationwide ban on election betting following billions of dollars being wagered on the 2024 elections.

It remains to be seen which of the proposals in the bill passes and becomes law. Of course, the process of a bill turning into a law is long and can be protracted. We will keep you informed about any updates and more related to this subject.

Gutshot Magazine provides the latest updates about real-money gaming and the poker industry. We also offer information about the most important poker tournaments, including their itinerary, winners’ lists, and interviews with some of the industry’s biggest names.

For more updates from the poker world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram

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