Massachusetts residents oppose online gambling legalization

• Stop iGaming in Massachusetts released the results of a new survey
• More than half of the respondents oppose the potential online gambling legalization
• An overwhelming majority fear the impact of iGaming and raise concerns about issues such as underage and problem gambling

During a time when lawmakers in Massachusetts are exploring the legalization of online gambling, opposition against the activity is growing.

Details from a newly released survey highlight that a majority of the state's residents oppose legal iGaming, sharing concerns about a potential increase in addiction rates, among other issues.

56% of the respondents in a new poll oppose iGaming

The latest survey was sponsored by SIGMA (Stop iGaming in Massachusetts) and conducted by Emerson College Polling.

Completed between January 13 and 16, 2026, highlights of the poll were released earlier this week.

Notably, more than half of the survey respondents, or 56%, oppose the statewide online gambling legalization.

When it comes to Massachusetts residents age 60 and older, a staggering 77% oppose online gambling, the survey reveals.

Massachusetts legislators are currently exploring options for the legalization of online gambling such as casino-style games, including but not limited to slots, poker, blackjack and roulette.

If legalized, iGaming is expected to bring fresh tax revenue and decrease the share of the black market, bringing casino-style games to smartphones across the state.

Online gambling can be addictive

David Nangle, a representative of Stop iGaming in Massachusetts, commented in a press release: "iGaming is not like the forms of gambling already legal in Massachusetts, such as casinos, sports betting, the lottery, and the soon-to-launch iLottery."

Moreover, Nangle pointed out: "It places a full casino on every cell phone, available 24/7, and Harvard experts have warned it may be far more addictive than other forms of gambling."

One of the major concerns of the survey respondents was the access of children and teens to online gambling.

An overwhelming 81% of the Massachusetts residents said they are concerned about underage individuals accessing iGaming.

On the other hand, 79% believe that permitting 24/7 access to online gambling activities will result in a notable increase in the number of addiction cases.

Some 69% agree that Massachusetts already offers a wide variety of gambling, such as lottery, land-based casinos and sports betting.

Asked about problem gambling, 76% of respondents agreed that casino-style games accessed via smartphones will increase problem gambling across the state.

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