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Mass. online casino bill would legalize iGaming, ban sweepstakes gambling

A House bill that seeks to legalize online casino gaming in Mass. also proposes banning sweepstakes gambling.

A photo illustration of a man using a computer at night. (Adobe Stock)

August 28, 2025

2 minutes to read

Massachusetts could see legal online casinos — and a ban on sweepstakes gambling — under a new bill gaining momentum on Beacon Hill.

The state has already seen success with online sports betting and has recently approved online lottery sales, but previous efforts to legalize online casino gaming – often called iGaming – have repeatedly stalled.

What’s in the bill to legalize internet gaming?

In January, State Representative David K. Muradian Jr. filed House bill H.4431 which would legalize and regulate online casino games in Mass. — including digital slot machines, poker, blackjack, and other casino-style games. Regulation would fall to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) which already regulates the state’s casinos, horse racing, and sports betting.

“Illegal internet gaming channels operating throughout the United States pose a critical threat to the safety and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth,” the bill wrote. “A secure and highly regulated policy framework will protect the public and positively benefit state revenues and the Commonwealth’s economy.”

The proposal would allow licensed casino operators to apply for iGaming licenses, valid for five years. Operators would pay a $100,000 application fee, plus $50,000 for each additional online brand, or “skin.” Revenue would be taxed at 15% and paid to the commission monthly.

The bill also proposes an outright ban on sweepstakes gambling, which are unregulated sites that allow players to buy virtual currency (often in the form of coins or tokens) to play games, and can be redeemed for prizes or cash. Violators facing fines from $10,000 to $100,000 per offense. Repeat offenders could be stripped of their licenses or even face up to two years in prison.

“The Commission believes that if you choose to gamble, the best place to gamble is with a licensed and regulated operator in the Commonwealth,” Thomas Mills, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission told Boston.com in an interview.

Muradian did not respond to Boston.com’s requests for comment.

What safeguards are in place for online gamers?

The bill also incorporates strong player protection measures. Participation would be limited to those 21 and older, with age and location verification protocols. Each player would be limited to one account per internet gaming brand, and deposits would be capped at $20,000 in a 24-hour period.

Marketing and advertising would face heavy restrictions. Terms like “risk-free” would be banned, as would advertising on college campuses.

A major component of the bill proposes the creation of a Player Health Program, funded by license fees and tax revenues, to raise awareness of the dangers of gambling and provide treatment for gambling addiction. Each licensed operator would also appoint a responsible gaming lead to coordinate with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

If enacted, the legislation would legalize online casino gaming and expand the commission’s regulatory duties beyond sports betting and horse racing.