Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.

In Massachusetts, gaming law is governed by a combination of state statutes and federal law. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the gaming industry within the state, including casinos, lotteries, and horse racing. The Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 allows for up to three resort casinos and one slots parlor in the state. Sports betting is not currently legal in Massachusetts, although there have been legislative efforts to legalize it. Social gambling is allowed within certain limits, and the state lottery is legal and popular. Bingo and charitable gaming are also permitted under specific regulations. Federally, the statute at 18 U.S.C. §1955 prohibits illegal gambling businesses, which would apply to any such activities within Massachusetts that meet the criteria outlined in the statute. It's important to note that gaming laws are subject to change, and individuals or entities looking to engage in any gaming activities should consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.