A regulated Massachusetts sports betting market with self-exclusion options has been launched. Users will be allowed to opt out of regulated online and land-based services using the voluntary self‐exclusion initiative.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission launched Category 1 licences for retail sports betting for online and mobile use. The new programme will run parallel with the voluntary self-exclusion programme for land-based casinos launched in 2015. There are 1329 registered individuals on this programme and they will now be excluded from online sports books as well as land-based gambling.

“Voluntary self-exclusion programmes are a successful tool for those who need a break from gambling to manage their own play” says Cathy Judd Stein, Chair of MGC. “In light of the research we have at our disposal, the MGC and our licensees are committed to offering these types of programmes and a range of other resources to help gamblers”.

Several operators have been granted licences in the jurisdiction. Bruce Band who has worked in the gambling industry for over 40 years has been appointed to head MGC’s new sports division. He was previously assistant director of the MGC Investigations and Enforcement Bureau and head of the gaming division.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Background

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is responsible for implementing the expanded gaming law in the jurisdiction. It was established in 2011. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is committed to a participatory, transparent and fair process for the regulation of expanded gaming and horse racing in Massachusetts. MGC’s Enhanced Code of Ethics helps to ensure the highest level of public confidence in the integrity of the regulation of all gaming activities in the Commonwealth.