Massachusetts state officials on a collision course over internet gambling

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is not one to shy away from a political confrontation, as she has previously demonstrated in various clashes with state officials, and in a year where she is reportedly about to make a bid for the state governorship she is taking on internet gambling.

On Thursday Coakley declared her opposition to legalised online gambling in Massachusetts, an announcement that could bring her into direct confrontation with state Treasurer Steve Grossman and his bill S101, which seeks to legalise some forms of online gambling for the state lottery (see previous reports).

The intensity of the clash could be heightened by fellow-Democrat Grossman’s equal interest in taking up residence in the governor’s mansion when Deval Patrick’s term of office ends later this year.

Coakley says she fears that legalisation might result in credit cards being used to buy Lottery products online.

“Opening the door to credit card gambling will certainly help the big banks, but not Massachusetts families nor local businesses,” Coakley said in a statement Thursday.

“The convenience of gaming online combined with the use of credit cards to finance playing is a recipe for disaster. The potential to run up credit card debt gambling online will further weigh down many of those already struggling to keep their heads above water.”

Grossman’s office responded with a statement claiming that the state Treasurer does not envisage the use of credit cards to buy lottery products online.

Spokesman Jon Carlisle said: “Steve is opposed to the use of credit cards to purchase online gaming products.”