A recent budget amendment for 2014 has now placed the state of Massachusetts up to offer online gambling options in the United States. According to a recent article by the Taunton Gazette, a new budget amendment was created for next year to allow the fully licensed gaming facilities in the state as well as a new slot parlor licensee to offer online gambling options.
These facilities will also be allowed to purchase an online gaming license. The new amendment will tax online gaming revenues at a 20% rate and those allowed to purchase an online gaming license will have to pay a startup fee of a minimum of $300,000. An annual fee will also be charged for renewal which will be no less than $150,000.
Those who are licensed to offer online gaming options will not be allowed to offer any games that could disrupt the state lottery. Players will have to be 21 years of age or older to be allowed to access the online options. Players will also have to be located in the state to be able to access the sites.
A four member group of the Senate GOP created this new amendment as part of several proposals to help boost the Massachusetts‘ economy. The allowance of online gaming would certainly do so. However, in the past, the state has seen casino gaming as a threat to the state lottery and many see online casino gaming as this same threat. Online gaming may now be considered a threat to both the current lottery system as well as casino options in the state.
It may be an uphill battle to see this type of legislation passed in the state unless the supporters of the changes are able to convince those who may be opposed.
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