Are Online Casino Games for Real Money Legal From Massachusetts?
Those in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have long been able to play online casino games for real money, including internet poker.
As far as officially regulating the activity, that's a different story.
This could soon change.
Two bills to legalize online casino gambling, often referred to as iGaming, have been filed in Massachusetts.
Category 1 licensees (casinos) would receive 2 skins (+ separate branding for poker).
There would be four Category 2 licensees up for grabs.
The licensing fee is a jaw dropping $5 million that expires after five years. iGaming operators can expect to be taxed up to 20% tax.
HD.4084 and SD.2240 are both described as "An Act regulating internet gaming".
Of note, Massachusetts regulators do not allow use of a credit card when depositing money into a wagering account. They also forbid betting on in-state colleges as well as college player prop bets across the board.
Maryland Looking to Offer iGaming as Well
The state of Maryland also announced plans to offer online casino gaming, but at a steep price to operators.
Sportsbooks are being asked to pay a 30% tax beginning in 2025, up from 15%.
Land-based casinos get off a bit easier with the tax increase from 20% to 25%.
It is not immediately clear what tax rate will be applied to online casino operators.
Sen. Ron Watson has refiled last year's HB 1319 as Senate Bill 340, and it is scheduled for a hearing on Jan. 29th (10:30 am) before the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
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