Potential impacts of iGaming on public health in Massachusetts

View Resource Back to Search Results

Reports

Author(s): Glynn, Judith ; Volberg, Rachel A. ; Nower, Lia ; Phillips, Darcy

Publisher: PRET Solutions

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: October 13, 2026

Resource Type: Research report

This report assesses online casino products for their potential to impact public health in Massachusetts. The purpose is to understand the risks of online casino products and present considerations to minimize the risk of harm. As of 2026, Massachusetts has only legalized online sports betting. However, the findings will be relevant if online casino gambling is legalized in Massachusetts in the future. The research involved a review of the evidence and policies of surrounding states; interviews with regulators and industry experts; a case study of New Jersey's experience with legalized online casino products; and a profile of gambling and problem gambling in the Massachusetts context. Throughout, there is a focus on young people under the age of 25. The evidence suggests that if online casino products are legalized in Massachusetts, it is likely to lead to increased gambling participation and risk of harms.

Policy recommendations include:

Make harm minimization the foundation of regulation
Create protections at multiple levels
Optimize economic development to support public health
Maximize channelization from the grey market to achieve objectives
Ensure adequate resources and collaboration for enforcement

Citation: Glynn, J., Volberg, R., Nower, L., & Phillips, D. (2026). Potential impacts of iGaming on public health in Massachusetts. PRET Solutions. Prepared for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Available from: https://massgaming.com/wp-content/uploads/Potential-impact-of-iGaming-MA-Final-Report-January-2026-1-1.pdf

Keywords: economic impacts ; emerging adults ; gambling regulations ; online gambling ; online slots ; public health ; public policy ; social impacts

Topics: Gambling Related Harms ; Information for Policy Makers ; Online Gambling ; Public Health

Conceptual Framework Factors: Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Environment - Social and Economic Impacts ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Exposure - Accessibility ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Environment - Public Policy

Geographic Coverage: United States of America, Massachusetts

Source: Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Source Type: Regulator