The meetings of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Online Gaming, Fantasy Sports Gaming and Daily Fantasy Sports appears to make it far more likely that sometime in 2017 the Bay State will approve of some form of online gaming.
Earlier this year the legislature legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS) as part of an economic development law—but with a definite sunset of summer 2018 and with the understanding that it was simply an interim until the new commission finishes its work next year.
As Rep. Joseph Wagner, who will serve on the commission, told the State House News Service: “We codified statutorily the standing of daily fantasy sports operations as legal entities but with a sunset provision.” He added, “It’s the hope that the work of this commission and whatever product, and perhaps legislative product, may come from it will provide guidance going forward.”
Although DFS and online gaming aren’t really related to each other in any sense except that they both happen on the internet, they will be lumped together for the purposes of the commission.
The Bay State has been inching towards addressing online gaming for several years.
In 2013 there was an unsuccessful effort to add an online poker rider to the budget bill.
A year later Massachusetts hosted an internet gaming forum.
For most of this year the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which would probably be the regulatory agency for such activities, has studied online gaming and its chairman, Stephen Crosby, has many times advocated an “omnibus” bill.
The newly created commission will be meeting regularly until next July, and then give a recommendation to the legislature.
Internet Lottery
Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg last week filed a bill with the legislature that would allow the Massachusetts State Lottery, which is under the treasurer, to sell games over the internet using smartphones.
Goldberg has previously argued that the lottery, which is considered the most successful in the U.S. must embrace the internet if it is to continue to be as profitable as it has been.
She wants to appeal to millennials and others who are more tied to their phones and platforms for all phases of their lives than older generations.
Despite her blandishments the legislature has been slow to address the issue, so she exercised her right to file a bill. That doesn’t force the lawmakers to act on her bill, but does put the ball in their court.
Goldberg’s bill would have safeguards to prevent minors from participating and would have a way to ID problem gamblers. It would have protections so that venues that sell lottery tickets currently would benefit from increased promotions.
