Massachusetts Looks to Crackdown on Underage Sports Betting

Massachusetts Gaming Commission is considering sports betting advertising recommendations. The recommendations were presented to the commission in June. They were discussed today at a roundtable discussion on responsible gaming related to sports wagering.

Massachusetts looks to crack down on under-age sports betting. The recommendations would beef up existing Massachusetts gaming regulations. They prohibit marketing and advertising aimed at persons under age 21 and people on voluntary self-exclusion lists. They also prohibit sports bets ads on mobile apps, the internet, TV, radio, other electronic means, in print or billboards.

Massachusetts Looks to Crackdown on Underage Sports Betting. Prohibit anyone under 21 from appearing in sports betting ads. Also, ban ads at college sports venues and via digital media.

Massachusetts legalized sports betting last month. The state is one of 33 where sportsbooks are now legal and operational. High school students have a higher percentage of gambling problems than adults. Marlene Warner is concerned about the effect of sports gambling advertising on children. She wants the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to consider a ban on sports bets. She is already seeing sports betting ads at Fenway Park and on the internet.

The recommendations could eventually be wrapped into sports betting regulations. Up to 225 regulations must be approved by the MGC before sportsbooks launch in the commonwealth. The M GC approved its first sports betting regulation last week on an emergency basis.