Massachusetts Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Internet Gaming Bill
Former Massachusetts state representative David Nangle, convicted for campaign finance misuse and gambling-related crimes, is speaking out against proposed internet gaming legislation, framing it as harmful due to addiction risk….
“Through a painful journey, I came to understand just how destructive, how uncontrollable addiction can be,” Nangle told the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies in a statement shared with The (Lowell) Sun. “That's why I'm here today. Legalizing internet gaming is not progress. It's a gateway to greater harm. It invites people, especially vulnerable individuals, into the same spiral of loss and devastation that I've experienced.”
Following Nangle's address, Rep. David Muradian Jr. introduced bill H 4431 to regulate online casino gambling in Massachusetts. This legislation would permit existing casinos to run up to three online brands each under the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. According to The Sun, these existing casinos would include Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor in Everett.
Supporters argue that iGaming would bring accountability and regulate activity already occurring illegally. Opponents, however, warn of addiction, social costs, cannibalization of casino revenue, and potential tax revenue losses elsewhere.
According to The Sun, research from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center and the UMass Donahue Institute has revealed that the state's casino revenues have remained essentially unchanged since legal sports betting began.
Sports betting revenues are subject to a lower tax rate than casino gaming revenues are — 15% for in-person bets and 20% for mobile bets, versus a 25% tax on casino revenue and a 49% tax on slot facility revenue. Researchers have warned that while sports betting becomes more popular, it could cause trouble for the state, which relies on gambling tax revenues," noted The Sun.
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