Rep. Muradian Prepares Renewed Massachusetts iGaming Legislation for 2027 Session

Rep. David Muradian hopes momentum for iGaming in Massachusetts carries into the 2027 legislative session. The lawmaker introduced House Bill 4431 in 2025, only for the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies to send it to study earlier this year.

The bill would have authorized iGaming under the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. It would permit each of the state’s three licensed casinos to operate up to three online brands. A 15% tax on gross online gaming revenue was proposed, along with a ban on sweepstakes casinos.

Muradian used a recent iDevelopment and Economic Association webinar to outline his thinking, as reported by SBC Americas. He acknowledged the process is deliberate, noting lawmakers file roughly 6,000 bills over a two-year cycle but pass only 300 to 500. “Policy just takes time,” Muradian said. “The legislative process is deliberate in its difficulty to pass a bill.”

Fiscal Pressures Meet Entrenched Opposition

Massachusetts faces clear revenue demands. Muradian pointed to the state’s “Taxachusetts” label and a budget that has grown from roughly $36bn to $61bn in his 12 years in office. A regulated iGaming market could generate as much as $200m annually, while shifting activity from offshore operators under stronger oversight.

Yet opposition persists from established players. Wynn Resorts, which runs Encore Boston Harbor, warned of cannibalization that could reduce land-based tax collections. State Treasurer Deb Goldberg opposed over risks to the Massachusetts Lottery as it develops online offerings. Muradian indicated a new proposal must tackle these cannibalization issues head on.

Forward Path Requires Demonstrated Complementarity

The 2026 outcome indicates future efforts cannot focus solely on regulatory readiness. Massachusetts already operates casino gaming, online sports betting, and maintains an active regulator in the Commission.

Muradian said the emphasis must shift to proving iGaming complements existing products, delivers enforceable consumer protections, and delivers superior outcomes to unregulated alternatives. Industry proponents need to communicate transparently.

“[We need to] be forthcoming with the benefits of the industry, but some of the precautions that you can live with and scale back from,” Muradian said. “Tell both sides of the story.”

Reporting: SBC Americas

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