Massachusetts considers online casino amid budget pressures

Concerns raised by treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Governor Maura Healey complicate potential for iCasino legalisation in 2026.

While Massachusetts lawmakers will be looking to fill a significant budget gap next year and online casino remains on the table, roadblocks continue to emerge.

Lawmakers discussed Rep David Muradian’s H4431 last month, with clear divides on whether to legalise online casinos in Massachusetts. Legislators extended the reporting date for the bill to 16 March 2026. A report was initially required by this week.

Treasurer Goldberg opposes iGaming expansion

While that will give lawmakers more time to consider the issue, Massachusetts treasurer Deborah Goldberg came out against expanding online gambling in 2026. Goldberg oversees the Massachusetts Lottery, which is launching online lottery offerings in 2026.

“We won’t be able to compete in terms of advertising. So, I, right now, am firmly against iGaming,” Goldberg said at a recent Chamber of Commerce event. “They may not like me for that, but I gotta think about the people of Massachusetts, and that’s my top priority.”

Governor Healey ‘concerned’ about gambling

Governor Maura Healey, meanwhile, said last week she has “long been concerned” about the gambling market and its effects on problem gambling.

“The data is concerning,” Healey said. “There are probably ways to deal with that. I don’t know the answers, but I think it is something that policymakers across the country should be looking at in the in the wake of data that’s come out.”

Healey’s comments come shortly after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his disdain for gambling. DeWine said he regrets signing sports betting into law. He also said he is against online casino expansion efforts.

Massachusetts Senator John Keenan has raised his own concerns about gambling. He posted on social media that he agrees with Healey. He is also the sponsor of the Bettor Health Act, which would put stricter guardrails on the state’s sports betting.

Details of Muradian’s online casino proposal

Muradian’s bill would allow the state’s three casinos to offer iCasino products, with the industry’s revenue taxed at 15%.

“Consumers in the commonwealth have operated in illegal markets and will continue to do so,” Muradian told a legislative committee in November. “This bill brings it out of the shadows into a safe, transparent system.”

Gambling industry stakeholders estimate iGaming can bring in up to $200 million in annual revenue for the state. Meanwhile, the National Association Against iGaming, a group of casinos against online expansion, estimates that would be offset by an annual loss of $100 million in taxes from brick-and-mortar casinos.

Goldberg has projected that the state’s new iLottery can generate approximately $70 million in profits during its first year. That could reach $360 million after 10 years.