Massachusetts Weighs Positive and Negative Impacts of Internet Gambling
Massachusetts is one of nearly a dozen states showing interest in following Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware into the realm of online poker. On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is holding a forum on Internet gambling, weighing the positive and negative impacts the industry could have on the state.
According to the Associated Press, Massachusetts lawmakers are seeking guidance from the commission on how to approach Internet gambling. Among the topics on Tuesday's forum agenda include Demonstration and discussion of Internet games and a comparison to social gaming; Risks to Internet Gaming: Money Laundering, Problem Gambling and Verification discussion of Internet games and a comparison to social gaming; and Challenges and successes of Internet gaming in Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey and Canadian Provinces.
Several high-ranking Massachusetts officials are divided on the topic of Internet gambling. Last month, Attorney General Martha Coakley spoke out against an iGaming bill sponsored by Treasurer Steve Grossman, warning that it would open the door for problem gamblers to use credit cards for gambling.
State Senate Majority Leader Stanley Rosenberg recently sided with Coakley, saying he didn’t want to see Internet gambling have a negative impact on revenues from future resort casinos. Industry giants Mohegan Sun and Wynn Resorts are currently competing for a license in Revere, Mass. The gambling commission will select the winner in May or June.
Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby suggested that the Legislature not make any decisions on the legalization of online gambling until the panel completes the casino licensing process in Massachusetts, the Associated Press reports.
You can watch the Massachusetts Gaming Commission forum live here.
Photo courtesy of SXC.hu.
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