Online Poker Real Money Massachusetts
- »Can You Play Legal Online Poker in the USA?
- Massachusetts first explored online poker expansion when it was working on its brick-and-mortar casino expansion bill back in 2010. Back then the state was considering prohibiting online poker. The prohibition of online poker.
- Learn To Win Poker. Setting realistic and achievable goals, poker theory. Analysis of the game using special software, individual or group training with a trainer (Cash; MTT; SnG), tilt tolerance.
- Online Poker Sites That Accept Massachusetts Residents. Over the years there have been more and more online poker sites that accept Massachusetts residents. BetOnline has one of the best real money online poker rooms, and SportsBetting is known for having some of the biggest tournaments.
- Massachusetts Unclaimed Property.
2021 Update: Can I Play Online Poker in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is likely to legalize online poker. Part of the reason is revenue. For example, the state generated $1.035 billion in profit from the lottery in 2017. Last January, State Senator Bruce Tarr introduced bill SD. 618 to legalize online gaming in Massachusetts. Only licensed casinos could offer internet gambling under the bill. The U.S. Department of Interior approved a casino for the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe. The casino is estimated to be built in 2022 in southeastern Massachusetts at a cost of $1 billion.
Boston, Massachusetts (Photo by Lance Anderson on Unsplash)
Online Poker and Gambling Laws in Massachusetts
Under current MA law, while there are no legal poker sites in Massachusetts that are regulated by the state, there is nothing to stop anyone playing poker online for real money. Some laws DO relate to live tournaments, however.
Massachusetts is pretty strict when it comes to their gambling laws. In the same vein, the penalties are pretty strict too. However, the local government is open to benefits that can come from online gaming. Additionally, they are aware of outdated laws.
Firstly, let’s first look at the current laws:
Chapter 4 Section 7
“Tenth, “Gaming”, “illegal gaming” or “unlawful gaming” shall include every act punishable under any law relative to lotteries, policy lotteries or policy, the buying and selling of pools or registering of bets.”
Chapter 271 Section 1
“Whoever, on a prosecution commenced within eighteen months after the commission of the crime, is convicted of winning at one time or sitting, by gaming or betting on the sides or hands of those gaming, money or goods to the value of five dollars or more, and of receiving the same or security therefor, shall forfeit double the value of such money or goods.”
Section 2 of Chapter 271
“Whoever, in a public conveyance or public place, or in a private place upon which he is trespassing, plays at cards, dice or any other game for money or other property, or bets on the sides or hands of those playing, shall forfeit not more than fifty dollars or be imprisoned for not more than three months; and whoever sets up or permits such a game shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not less than three nor more than twelve months.”
Will Massachusetts Regulate and Tax Online Poker?
American Online Poker Real Money
Massachusetts wants to regulate online poker and reap the tax benefits. For instance, ever since February 2013, the Massachusetts legislature has continued to look at two types of bills that would open up online gambling in the state. The first bill focused on the sales of lottery tickets over the internet. The second bill includes online poker. In both bills, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission would oversee licensing.
Additionally, the bill also mentions licensing costs. For example, licenses cost $10 million upfront with additional monthly fees under the bill. However, these fees aren’t determined yet. Additionally, the state would only allow three online websites. The licenses are valid for ten years.
Massachusetts has an estimated debt of $129.6 billion. Therefore, online poker and gaming would give the state much-needed tax revenue.
Can You Play Online Poker In Massachusetts
Can I Play Poker on PokerStars in Massachusetts?
Not yet. Once upon a time, you were able to play PokerStars in Massachusetts but then the events of Black Friday saw PokerStars leave the US. It was years before it came back and it’s currently in just two states. There’s a chance it could come back to Massachusetts. The state would have to pass legislation first and then license the site.
That doesn’t mean there’s no online poker in Massachusetts though. One of the best things about PokerStars was its large player pool. There are a few sites that take players from all 50 states and have great player pools. Bovada and Ignition Poker are two of our top picks, but there are plenty of other great options. They’re great for poker lovers. That sound like you?
Check out our reviews below:
Current Forms of Legal Gambling in Massachusetts
The state allows five main categories of legal gambling:
- State Lottery
- Pari-mutuel Wagering
- Indian Casinos
- Commercial Casinos
- Charitable Gaming
State Lottery
In 1971, the legislation created the Massachusetts state lottery. After that, the first lottery in 1972 had seven people and a prize of $50,000. In 1973, the State Lottery Commission took over bingo. Subsequently, lottery regulation switched to the Charitable Gaming Division. Visit their website to learn more about the Massachusetts Lottery. It’s a big revenue generator for the state.
Pari-Mutuel Wagering
The Division of Racing regulates the state’s horse racing industry. It also implements the statutes, rules, regulations and horse racing conditions. In addition, the racing industry contributes significantly to the Commonwealth’s economy. Maryland is a big horse state. Or course Marylanders love to bet on them. The more the merrier.
Indian and Commercial Casinos
Online Poker For Real Money In Massachusetts
In November 2011, Massachusetts passed a Gaming Act to introduce casino gambling into the state. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) will oversee the issuance of three licenses to casinos and one slots parlor. MGM got the first license on June 13, 2014 and Wynn received the second on September 16, 2014. Penn National Gaming got the slots-only parlor gaming license. Find all the latest casino information at www.boston.com casinos page.
Others
- Charitable Gaming
- Beano/Bingo
- Raffles
- Charitable Gaming Tickets
- Bazaars
Is Sports Betting Coming to Massachusetts?
Online Poker Real Money Massachusetts
It would look like the answer is yes.
Massachusetts is in a sports betting hot zone. The entire Northeast is riddled with sports teams and die-hard fans. Now Massachusetts could become the largest sports betting market in New England. This could help pave the way for online poker. According to the Boston Globe, state lawmakers advanced a bill that would allow sports betting. This comes two years after the bill was being debated.
Because of this, lawmakers are hoping sports betting will reach Massachusetts by the 2021 NFL season. There are still some roadblocks on the way to legalized online poker.
For example, some senators have concerns about expanding legalized gambling in the state. However, the rollout of sports betting could be a big boom for the state and help change their minds. After that, the state legislature could be more open to online poker. It would probably follow the blueprint set out by sports betting.
For example, the proposed sports betting law gives the local casinos the right to host the expanded gaming measures. After that, the big question would be if Massachusetts would join the shared player pool. The state has a huge population and could be really kick off the online poker market.
Play Poker Online Real Money Massachusetts
Specific State-by-State Laws
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