Massachusetts Treasurer, Governor Raise Concerns Over iGaming Proposals

^{Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey speaks during a public event. Healey has expressed concerns about the risks of addiction tied to expanded online gambling, particularly among college-age bettors. (Photo: Rick Friedman / Alamy)}

Two of Massachusetts' key elected officials made comments doubting the wisdom of expanding online gambling in the state’s gambling, with one outright saying they would fully oppose legalizing online casinos.

Both Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Governor Maura Healey have spoken about iGaming in recent days, and neither expressed much enthusiasm for the idea.

Healey Shares Concerns About Sports Betting

The Massachusetts Legislature revisited bringing iGaming to the state in November, when an economic development committee held hearings on the issue. That hearing was in relation to a bill known as House Bill 4431, introduced by Representative David Muradian (R-Worcester). 

All signs are showing that legislators will at least be looking into the idea again in 2026, with a reporting deadline on Muradian’s bill March 16. But with reporters recently bringing up questions about online gaming, it is becoming clear that not everyone is in favor of the change.

Governor Healey’s commented on the topic on Tuesday when reporters asked her if her feelings on sports betting echo those of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who has said he regrets that his state legalized the practice. 

While Healey stopped short of saying anything quite that strong, she did say that she was concerned about the impact sports betting has had on young bettors, particularly when it comes to betting on college sports.

“I think it’s something that bears looking at and making sure that in the first instance, everything is being done on campuses and elsewhere to educate and to prevent sports betting addiction,” Healey said. “I also think that whatever leagues and others can do to crack down on this is really important.”

Healey added that the data is "concerning" and should be looked at by policymakers across the country to address the issue of sports betting addiction.

Goldberg Says iGaming Would Hurt Massachusetts Lottery

While Healey's comments merely suggest concerns about sports betting, Goldberg’s were more pointed. Speaking at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce event, the treasurer said that she’s not a fan of having iGaming come to Massachusetts, especially with the state preparing to roll out online lottery services.

“I don’t want to tell you what iLotteries did during Covid – Michigan, New Hampshire – while we had nobody being able to leave their house," Goldberg said. "And can you imagine the amount that we would have generated then? So, I would not like to see iGaming come.”

Goldberg argued that online casinos would take away revenue from both traditional and online lottery sales. She estimated that the state's iLottery program will generate about $70 million in profit during its first year alone and noted that the lottery’s profits go “entirely back to the communities.” 

In a war between the state lottery and iGaming companies offering online casinos, Goldberg says the lottery would lose.

“We won’t be able to compete in terms of advertising." Goldberg said. "So right now, am firmly against iGaming. They may not like me for that, but I have to think about the people of Massachusetts.”

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