The operator of the biggest casino in the state, Wynn Resorts, is an unusual partner of those opposing the most recent attempt to increase gambling options in Massachusetts.
At a hearing on gambling measures held by the Legislature’s economic development committee on Thursday, the company that operates Encore Boston Harbour in Everett did not send a representative to testify. However, Wynn made its stance clear that same day in a letter to the co-chairs of the committee. In that letter, Wynn criticized a bill introduced by Grafton Representative David Muradian that would permit gamblers to wager on poker, blackjack, and other games of chance using mobile phones.
Wynn is obviously worried about the competition. However, the business stated that policymakers ought to be concerned about the possible economic consequences. Wynn hinted that if Encore’s income declines due to “iGaming,” as the industry refers to it, the law might endanger the company’s 3,300 employees. Wynn came to the conclusion that Massachusetts shouldn’t gamble on internet gambling.
The position puts Wynn in direct competition with DraftKings, the largest domestic gambling company in the state. The Boston-based business is a major participant in the Sports Betting Alliance trade association. Additionally, Entain and MGM Resorts, which has a casino in Springfield, support the BetMGM joint venture.
Wynn’s opposition to internet gambling coincides with the rise of sports betting as a potent lobbying force. On Beacon Hill, the Sports Betting Alliance appears to be as active as ever. In the first half of this year, no other trade association—aside from health care organizations—spent more on state lobbying. Spending increased to $255,000 from $165,000 over the same time last year. And that doesn’t include the extra $156,000 that DraftKings directly spent, as opposed to $60,000 the previous year.
A portion of the cause? the drive for iGaming.
Connecticut and Rhode Island are among the seven states that have embraced iGaming thus far. DraftKings wants its home state to rank seventh. According to Rebecca London, senior government affairs manager at DraftKings, the company currently employs over 1,300 people in Massachusetts, and if it is allowed to provide iGaming here, that number is probably going to increase.
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