HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4388        FILED ON: 2/11/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

John R. Gaskey

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act lowering the legal gambling age to 18 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4388        FILED ON: 2/11/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act lowering the legal gambling age to 18 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Purpose

The purpose of this act is to align the legal gambling age with the age of adulthood, granting individuals 18 years of age the same rights and responsibilities as other legal adults in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Additionally, this act aims to increase state revenue by keeping gambling-related spending within Massachusetts, preventing the loss of economic activity to neighboring states such as New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, where individuals under 21 can legally gamble.

SECTION 2. Amendment to Gambling Age Laws

(a) Chapter 23K, Section 45 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking the word “twenty-one (21)” wherever it appears and inserting in place thereof the word “eighteen (18).”

(b) Any other applicable laws or regulations setting the minimum gambling age at 21 shall be amended accordingly to reflect the new legal age of 18.

SECTION 3. Encouraging Responsible Gambling

(a) The Massachusetts Gaming Commission shall develop and implement educational programs targeting young adults to promote responsible gambling habits.

(b) All licensed gambling establishments must provide information on problem gambling resources, including the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health.

(c) A portion of gambling tax revenue shall be allocated to programs that support gambling addiction prevention and treatment.

SECTION 4. Rights and Responsibilities

Individuals aged 18 and older shall be granted the legal right to engage in legal gambling activities within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They shall also be subject to all penalties and liabilities associated with these activities.

SECTION 5. Effective Date

This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

SECTION 6. Severability

If any provision of this act or its application is found to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act, which shall remain in full force and effect.

Now, each bill stands independently for separate consideration. Let me know if you need any revisions.