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Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps
FEATURED
June 26, 2026
Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps
By: Katie Kovalsky
Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps As states consider legalizing iGaming, legislatures must consider not only whether to legalize but also how the industry should be regulated. While legalization presents opportunities for increased tax revenue and consumer protections, it also raises concerns about responsible gaming, youth exposure, and enforcement against illegal operators. Massachusetts is one state currently evaluating this decision. A bill introduced by the Massachusetts legislature in August of last year sought to legalize iGaming statewide.[1] The bill— H4431—proposed empowering the Massachusetts Gaming Commission with licensing and overseeing the iGaming casinos throughout the state.[2] As of March of this year, Massachusetts lawmakers voted to send the bill to study, delaying any potential passage to at least…
Sunshine, Strategy, and Handshakes: Reflections on SBC Summit Americas 2026
June 23, 2026
Sunshine, Strategy, and Handshakes: Reflections on SBC Summit Americas 2026
By: Amanda Holi
There is something irreplaceable about the energy of a live industry event, and this year’s SBC Summit Americas in Fort Lauderdale delivered. From June 9–11, the Broward County Convention Center became the epicenter of the gaming, sports wagering, and iGaming worlds. While the South Florida sunshine was a welcome backdrop, the real heat was inside the convention center, where industry professionals gathered to discuss everything…
Lessons from the Restructuring of an Online Sports Betting Company
June 12, 2026
Lessons from the Restructuring of an Online Sports Betting Company
By: George Calhoun
The U.S. has seen numerous casino bankruptcies, including, most recently, Maverick Gaming in July 2025. What it has not seen, until now, is the bankruptcy of an online sportsbook. Previously, when companies exited a state, they cut deals with as many creditors as possible and just left the state (or the United States). Examples of this in recent years include Betfred, Betway, Unibet, and in…
What’s Next for Online Poker Players?
May 5, 2011
What’s Next for Online Poker Players?
By: Ifrah Law
Online poker players in the U.S. were shaken on April 15 when the federal government shut down the country’s three biggest poker websites. Suddenly, players were without their favorite sites and could not access the funds that they kept there. Now, players are beginning to pick up the pieces. Since there is no federal law against playing online poker, many are seeking to return to…
The Great Race: Legal Online Poker Advances in Nevada, Hawaii Legislatures
March 24, 2011
The Great Race: Legal Online Poker Advances in Nevada, Hawaii Legislatures
By: Ifrah Law
Hearing Clarifies Issues in Nevada The Nevada Assembly Committee on Judiciary met on March 24, 2011, to discuss AB 258, which would provide for the licensing and operation of Internet poker in Nevada for the first time. Committee members were, not surprisingly, interested in the possible benefit or harm to Nevada’s existing bricks-and-mortar gaming industry from the legislation – such as the possible creation of…
Online Gaming on Path to Legalization in New Jersey
January 13, 2011
Online Gaming on Path to Legalization in New Jersey
By: Ifrah Law
It appears that New Jersey will very soon become the first state to legalize and regulate Internet gambling. On January 10, 2011, the New Jersey State Assembly overwhelmingly passed an online gaming bill. This bill was passed by the state Senate, also overwhelmingly, late last year, and all that remains for the bill to become law is the expected signature of Governor Chris Christie. The…
A New Turn for Washington State’s Online Poker Law
October 15, 2010
A New Turn for Washington State’s Online Poker Law
By: Ifrah Law
After the unanimous rejection by the Washington State Supreme Court of a lawsuit that attempted to overturn the state’s draconian ban on online poker, proponents of the game now say that they’re going to go to the state legislature and try to get the law repealed, rather than pursue the challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court. On Sept. 23, 2010, the state court rejected the…
Poker, as a Game of Skill, Is Beyond Reach of Gaming Laws
July 9, 2010
Poker, as a Game of Skill, Is Beyond Reach of Gaming Laws
By: Ifrah Law
The highly regarded British publication The Economist has just published an interesting article that strongly makes the case that poker is a game of skill, not a game of chance. The article notes that poker is, of course, big business these days, pointing to a consultant’s estimate that the online poker market amounts to $4.9 billion worldwide, with $1.4 billion of that being spent in…
