H 4431 failed to pass in 2026, and was instead turned into a study after an 11-0 vote by the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
A Massachusetts State Representative has introduced a bill to legalize iGaming in the Bay State – it would also outlaw sweepstakes casinos at the same time.
Rep. David Muradian’s H4431 has been scheduled for the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, and MA now adds its name to the list of states considering some form of anti-sweeps bill this year.
Massachusetts is a typical state when it comes to gambling:
- Land-based casinos are legal
- Sports betting is legal
- Online casino gaming (iGaming) is illegal
H4431 seeks to change that last point – it looks to align Massachusetts with states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island who all provide legal iGaming.
At the same time, the bill would outlaw the popular sweepstakes casino format, clearing the path for only licensed casinos.
The sweepstakes vertical – with brands such as McLuck, WOW Vegas, and Stake.us – currently operates in a gray area in most states, including in MA. In fact, most sweepstakes brands are operational in the Bay State, making it a jurisdiction with very few restrictions.
H4431’s Anti-Sweepstakes Wording
Section 19 of the bill contains the anti-sweepstakes wording, making it unlawful for anyone to “operate, conduct or promote online sweepstakes games” within state borders.
As for penalties, offenders would be forced to pay fines of between $10,000 and $100,000 for each violation with loss of any gaming license held. Repeat offenders would also be subject to “potential imprisonment of up to 2 years.”
In terms of legalizing iGaming, H4431 looks to award an internet gaming license to “any holder of a gaming license under chapter 23K.” Chapter 23K is the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act of 2011, which created the state’s system for commercial casinos.
Licenses are currently held by Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino, and the bill goes on to say these companies could partner with (and brand) up to three distinct online casino platforms each.
The SGLA Denounces H4431
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, a sweepstakes/social casino trade group, has already issued a statement criticizing H4431.
From SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan:
“Massachusetts has long been a hub of innovation, technology, and economic leadership, but this proposal sends the wrong message. A blanket prohibition on social games would strip away lawful entertainment, criminalize legitimate businesses, and undermine an industry that, if rules are modernized to regulate and tax the industry, could add to the state’s annual revenue.”
Massachusetts has a long legislative session lasting until November 11, so there’s plenty of time for discussion and debate. That’s unlike in California, where its anti-sweeps bill has a lot of ground to make up before the end of the session on September 12.
Three states have been successful in bringing an anti-sweeps bill into law in 2025: Montana, Connecticut, and New Jersey. New York’s S5935 is currently waiting for the Governor’s signature to pass into law.
Author: Joseph Allen
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