Online poker for Massachusetts in 2013, claims Winslow
Republican Representative Dan Winslow plans amendment to state gambling laws.
Online poker sites could go live in Massachusetts next year, according Representative Dan Winslow who is pushing for amendments to state gambling laws for the second consecutive year.
In an interview with eGaming Review North America, Winslow (pictured) expressed optimism for online poker regulation following efforts in April to include online poker legislation within an economic development bill.
The amendments would see licence holders pay a fee of US$10m dollars and be subject to a 25% gross revenues tax.
Massachusetts, which recently legalised three casinos and one slot machine parlour, has already established a state gaming commission for regulatory purposes and the state treasurer has created internet gaming taskforce to examine the issue.
Last year Winslow introduced amendments to a gambling bill in the Bay State which could have seen the introduction of online poker, but this element was eventually stripped out of the final bill despite being passed by the House.
Winslow, who was legal counsel for Governor Mitt Romney between 2002 and 2005, said: “The treasurer’s internet gaming taskforce intends to have its report done by 1 December this year. The legislative session begins anew in January 2013. I wouldn’t be surprised to see legislation considered. Intrastate internet poker on the table in Massachusetts next year wouldn’t be a surprise.”
The opinion that Massachusetts is well-placed to develop online gaming is shared within the industry. President of the American Gaming Association, Frank Fahrenkopf said in a recent speech at the Massachusett Gaming Commission’s first public forum on Thursday that: “Massachusetts is in a unique and enviable position because regulators have the opportunity to craft regulations that can address modern gaming from the beginning.
“Massachusetts can start fresh and incorporate some of the changes their peers nationwide are discussing. As you undertake the task of creating your regulations, I hope you consider the research and recommendations in our white paper and consider the AGA to be an ally.”