Massachusetts study of online gambling begins this week

A study of online gambling mandated by the massachusetts legislature gets underway this week when legal and gaming experts join a group of lawmakers for the first time monday as part of the special commission on online gaming, fantasy sports gaming and daily fantasy sports.

it marks the start of a process that could lead to intrastate legalisation next session, and one that will study the regulation of online gaming, fantasy sports gaming and daily fantasy sports, including “economic development, consumer protection, taxation, legal and regulatory structures, implications for existing gaming, burdens and benefits to the commonwealth and any other factors the commission deems relevant.”

the commission is led by sen. eileen donoghue and rep. joseph wagner, the chairs of the state’s joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies.

other members include gaming commission chairman steve crosby (appointed by the gaming commission), sen. jennifer flanagan (appointed by senate president stanley rosenberg), rep. james kelcourse (appointed by house minority leader brad jones) and assistant attorney general dan krockmalnic (appointed by attorney general maura healey), according to donoghue’s office.

the commission will also include members selected by baker, house speaker robert deleo and senate minority leader bruce tarr.

members have until july 31, 2017 to submit to lawmakers a final report and recommendations for legislation.

the state lottery and its online activity is specifically excluded from the review; lottery officials have been unsuccessfully seeking legislative authorisation to offer their products on the internet (see previous reports).

however, state treasurer deborah goldberg says she plans to file and champion legislation next session to allow the lottery to offer its products online and on smartphone apps.

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