January 2026

Methodology

The survey of Massachusetts residents consists of a sample size of n=1,000, with a credibility interval of +/- 3 percentage points. Data was collected January 13-16, 2026. The survey was conducted by Emerson College Polling and sponsored by SIGMA (Stop iGaming in Massachusetts).

Key Findings

  • 47% have heard of the proposal to legalize iGaming in Massachusetts, up two percentage points from July, 2025.
  • 56% of Massachusetts residents oppose legalizing iGaming, while 28% support, and 16% are unsure.
  • 79% believe that unrestricted 24/7 access to online gambling increases addiction rates.
  • 81% are concerned about children or teens accessing internet gambling platforms.
  • 54% have not much trust or no trust at all in Massachusetts lawmakers to regulate iGaming responsibly, while 46% have some or a great deal of trust.

Survey Results

iGaming Awareness

Forty-seven percent of Massachusetts residents have heard about the proposal to legalize online casino gambling (iGaming) in the state, while 40% have not heard of it and 14% are not sure. Compared to July 2025, the share of residents who have heard of proposals to legalize iGaming increased two points, from 45% to 47%.

Over half (54%) of residents know someone who gambles online, including through websites in other states and countries, internet casinos, or sports betting apps, while 36% do not. A majority (59%) have not gambled online themselves, while 38% have.

Twenty-six percent of Massachusetts residents know someone with an addiction to or difficulty controlling their gambling, while a majority (64%) do not. Eleven percent are unsure.

At the conclusion of the survey, respondents were asked if they support or oppose legalizing internet gambling (iGaming) in Massachusetts: 28% support and 56% oppose; 16% are not sure. 

  • A third of men (33%) support legalizing iGaming, compared to 22% of women. 
  • Residents between the ages of 30-49 were more likely to support iGaming, at 39%, compared to 20% of residents ages 50 and older.
  • 77% of those over 60 oppose legalization.

Perceptions of iGaming 

A majority of Massachusetts residents (79%) think unrestricted 24/7 access to online gambling increases addiction rates, while 9% think it does not; 13% are not sure.

Seventy-six percent of residents believe that casino-style gambling available on every smartphone will increase problem gambling in Massachusetts, while 11% think it will not, and 14% are not sure.  

A majority of residents (66%) have not heard that Harvard researchers and public health experts say iGaming is the most addictive form of gambling, while 23% have and 11% are unsure.  

Concerns About iGaming 

Eighty-one percent of Massachusetts residents are very or somewhat concerned about children or teens accessing internet gambling platforms, while 19% percent are not too concerned or not at all concerned.

Massachusetts residents are not very confident (34%) or not at all confident (29%) that current technology can prevent children and teens from accessing online casino gambling platforms, while 21% are somewhat confident and 10% are very confident that technology can prevent children and teens from accessing such platforms.

Residents were asked if the growing number of scandals surrounding online sports betting makes them more concerned about legalizing online casinos: 28% are much more concerned, 36% somewhat more concerned, 28% say it makes no difference, and 3% are less concerned.

Fifty-three percent of residents are concerned that legalizing iGaming will reduce lottery participation and result in reduced aid to cities and towns; 47% are not concerned. 

Residents were asked how much they trust Massachusetts lawmakers to regulate iGaming responsibly: 15% have no trust at all, 39% not much trust, 35% some trust, and 10% a great deal of trust. 

  • By party:
    • Democrats: 7% no trust, 35% not much trust, 44% some trust, 14% a great deal of trust
    • Independents: 16% no trust, 42% not much trust, 32% some trust, 9% a great deal of trust
    • Republicans: 31% no trust, 28% not much trust, 29% some trust, 12% a great deal of trust

iGaming Impacts

A plurality of Massachusetts residents (41%) would have a less favorable view of their state representative if they voted to legalize iGaming, while 9% would have a more favorable view of their representative. How their representative votes makes no difference to 38% of residents, and 12% are not sure. 

About 2 in 3 respondents (67%) believe that Gambling companies and their investors benefit the most from legalizing online casino gambling in Massachusetts, 11% believe the state budget would benefit, and 9% believe that regular residents and consumers benefit the most. 

Three in four Massachusetts residents (76%) have no trust or not much trust in online gambling companies to protect users from addiction and fraud; 24% have some trust or a great deal of trust. 

Over half of Massachusetts residents (56%) do not believe new tax revenue from iGaming is worth the potential for increased addiction, job loss, and harm to families. 27% are unsure, and 17% of respondents note the tax revenue is worth it. 

A majority of voters (69%) think Massachusetts already has enough access to gambling options, with sports betting, the state lottery, and in-person casinos. Fourteen percent think more options are needed, and 17% are unsure. 

Forty-seven percent of Massachusetts residents believe iGaming will hurt local economies and may reduce foot traffic to in-person casinos and surrounding businesses, 23% believe it will not, and 29% are unsure. 

Residents were asked who should be held most responsible if iGaming is legalized and addiction rates rise: 29% think the Massachusetts legislature should be held accountable, 21% gambling companies, 8% the Massachusetts Governor, and 29% think no one should be held accountable as gambling is a personal choice.