Massachusetts Legalizes Sports Betting with Focus on Transparency and Consumer Protection

Tom Mills (Massachusetts Gaming Commission) discusses the Commission's commitment to transparency and consumer protection in launching legalized sports betting.

Massachusetts recently became the latest US state to legalize sports betting, joining a growing list of states that have done so. With the legalization of sports betting comes increased transparency and consumer protection, as well as reliable and timely payments. However, as with any form of gambling, there are risks associated with increased accessibility.

Gambling.Re discussed these topics with Tom Mills, Communications Division Chief at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Mills affirmed the Commission's dedication to guaranteeing that the launch of legalized sports betting in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts places high priority on transparency and consumer protection. To achieve this, the Commission is making efforts to maximize transparency by streaming public meetings on its YouTube channel and providing the public with ample information to review on its website.

Mills told Gambling.Re that one area of particular focus is problem gambling, indicating that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has implemented a voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) program for sports wagering. The VSE program allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in any form of legalized gaming activity, including sports betting, for a period of time ranging from six months to five years. The program is strictly voluntary and completely confidential. Participants can enroll at any of the state's four casinos, or online through the Massachusetts Gaming Commission website.

In addition to the VSE program, Mills noted that there is a regulation on the Commission's website that deal with advertising of sports wagering, providing guidelines for sports betting operators to follow when it comes to advertising their products. The goal is to ensure that advertising is truthful and not misleading, and that it does not target vulnerable populations.

Mills, on behalf of the Commission, believes that responsible gambling is a crucial component of the sports betting industry and therefore it is important for the Commission to take steps to promote responsible and sustainable growth in the industry.