Mass. Gambling bill – online poker illegal

The newest version of a bill to license gambling in the state of Massachusetts states that internet gambling and online poker is illegal. Robert DeLeo, Massachusetts House Speaker, is calling for the vote on the measure which he introduced.

Several organizations in Massachusetts have rallied against the bill of which DeLeo does not plan to hold a public hearing. He said that hearings have already been held and all parts of the legislation have been thoroughly studied.

Should this bill go into effect, two Massachusetts casinos would pay $100 Million for a casino license. Four other licenses for slot machines would be awarded at a cost of $15 Million. Many jobs would be created and DeLeo says that gambling revenue would go directly to community colleges, schools, tourism programs and the state’s rainy day fund. The Massachusetts police force would also be expanded to oversee the new industry.

What online poker players and gamblers don’t like about the 172 page bill can be found on page 123 which reads “Any person who knowingly transmits or receives a wager of any type by any telecommunication device, including telephone, cellular phone, internet, [or] local area network… or knowingly installs or maintains said device or equipment for the transmission or receipt of wagering information shall be punished.” Penalties for violating the law are big, at up to two years in jail and up to a $25,000 fine.

The aforementioned text applies to “any person who, from within the Commonwealth, transmits a wager to, or receives a wager from, another person or gaming establishment within or outside of the Commonwealth.” The only exemption to the rule is law enforcement officials policing internet gambling. Among those purportedly backing the measure are the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.

An ongoing squabble over the introduction of slot machines may be the ace in the hole for online poker players. The Globe quoted Patrick as saying that slot machines do not provide job opportunities like full-fledged casinos do. Slot machines would be introduced at four racetracks in Massachusetts, which employ a combined 664 people. DeLeo worries that the tracks will close if new slot machine revenue is not provided.

News Added: 05 April, 2010

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