Massachusetts House Adds Racing Machines to Spending Bill

The amendment permits historic horse racing terminals at Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Gambling

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a racing starting gate, symbolizing legislative policy shifts regarding horse racing infrastructure. — The Massachusetts House included an amendment in an economic development bill to authorize historic horse racing terminals at existing tracks. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Massachusetts allow horse racing tracks to operate historic horse racing machines?

The Massachusetts House of Representatives recently approved an amendment to an economic development bill that would authorize historic horse racing machines. The proposal seeks to allow the machines to operate at existing racing facilities like Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park.

Why it matters

Proponents aim to revitalize racing sites, while casino operators and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe argue the move introduces unfair competition. These critics contend the machines would siphon customers without the regulatory obligations held by licensed casinos.

Massachusetts has collected approximately $2.53 billion in total state tax revenue from casinos since the licensing framework began in 2011. Currently, Plainridge Park Casino faces a 49% tax rate, while resort casinos like MGM Springfield are taxed at 25%.

The players

Suffolk Downs

This is a historic horse racing track and proposed site for the installation of new gaming machines.

Raynham Park

This facility is currently identified as a potential location for operating historic horse racing terminals under the new proposal.

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

The tribe is a vocal opponent of the legislative provision, citing concerns over market competition.

Encore Boston Harbor

This major resort casino is currently the subject of a labor strike involving 1,300 workers.

MGM Springfield

This is one of the three resort casinos currently operating in Massachusetts under existing tax and regulatory structures.

The details

The legislative amendment is currently being debated as part of a larger economic development package. While the House has included the measure, the Senate's version of the bill does not currently contain the authorization for historic horse racing machines.

2011: Massachusetts established the original casino licensing framework.
2019: Encore Boston Harbor casino opened in the state.
August 31, 2026: The labor contract for Encore Boston Harbor employees expired.
September 4, 2026: Approximately 1,300 employees began a strike at Encore Boston Harbor.
October 20, 2026: Article publication date.

Culture Shift

The proposal marks a significant shift in Massachusetts gambling policy, challenging the regulatory balance established by the 2011 casino licensing framework. This move reflects a broader tension between legacy horse racing interests and the state's established casino operators.

Residents and casino patrons may see changes in the local gaming landscape if the machines are authorized at established tracks. The outcome of the conference committee will determine whether new wagering options become available outside of current resort casinos.

The takeaway

The legislative debate highlights the ongoing struggle to balance traditional horse racing venues with modern casino interests. Readers should monitor the economic development bill's progress to see if these machines become a new feature of the Massachusetts gaming market.