Penn Entertainment addresses potential legalization of Massachusetts online casinos

For many, Massachusetts is considered one of the next states to legalize online casino sites for real money, reflected by the proposal of House Bill 4431, which carves out up to nine online casinos. While lawmakers look to authorize iGaming to contribute toward state tax revenue and help protect state residents from potential fraudulent activity surrounding offshore sites, the proposed legislation has received pushback from some of the biggest names in land-based gambling in Massachusetts.

Rep. David Muradian Jr., the primary sponsor of House Bill 4431, recently presented his bill and framed it as being in the best interest of the state and its residents to legalize MA online casinos.

In addition to generating upward of $275 million, Muradian argued that Massachusetts residents are already gambling online with offshore, illegal operators. By legalizing casino games online, regulatory oversight would ensure more protection for users while also providing a way to better address problem gambling.

Two neighboring states already feature legal casino apps in Rhode Island and Connecticut, while the NJ online casino and PA online casino industries are not far away. Certainly those states have benefited in ways from Massachusetts players.

With nine online skins available, that could allow for users to potentially use some of the top online casinos around, all of which have online sportsbooks in Massachusetts, including those looking for:

While Massachusetts legislators hope to become one of the next states to legalize online casinos, the proposed bill has received heavy opposition from some of the state's land-based casinos.

Wynn Resorts, which runs Encore Boston Harbor, submitted testimony that expressed a fear of MA online casinos cannibalizing land-based operations. Encore Boston Harbor is the state's revenue leader among the three commercial casinos, making its voice one of the strongest.

It appears, though, that not all land-based casinos are on the same page. Penn Entertainment, which operates Plainridge Park Casino, did express some support for iGaming legalization, especially if issuing online casino licenses requires platforms to partner with brick-and-mortar casinos. 

Jeff Morris, vice president of public affairs and government relations at Penn, noted that having this requirement would "catalyze growth" without taking away from in-person business.

There is still no word from MGM, which runs MGM Springfield. However, that could be due to rumors that MGM will potentially sell the property.

Grant Lucas