Bill > S298

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for peer-to-peer cardrooms in Massachusetts, allowing licensed pari-mutuel facilities (such as horse racing venues) to operate cardrooms where players can engage in poker and dominoes games. The bill creates detailed rules for licensing, operation, and taxation of these cardrooms, including requirements that games must be played peer-to-peer (players competing against each other, not against the house), with no more than nine players per table. Cardroom operators must obtain a special license, pay an annual fee of $1,000 per table, and collect a 10% tax on gross receipts. All players must convert money to chips, and the facility must have a non-playing dealer at each table. Employees must be licensed, and the cardroom can only operate at the same location as the pari-mutuel facility. Players must be at least 18 years old, and electronic devices are largely prohibited, with the exception of mechanical card shufflers. The bill aims to provide additional entertainment options, promote tourism, and generate additional revenue for the state, while ensuring strict regulation to maintain the integrity of the gaming operations.

Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S298