Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Massachusetts regulators are under pressure after a new state audit found gaps in how the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has handled responsible gambling and regulatory oversight. The audit, released by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, covers the period from July 2020 through June 2023 and highlights multiple areas where the agency fell short.
Good to Know
- Seventeen sports betting ads lacked required responsible gambling messaging.
- GameSense agents were found to have incomplete training.
- The audit also flagged issues with settlement agreements and player win/loss statements.
The MGC, which regulates two casinos, a slots parlor, and 13 licensed sports wagering operators, was found to have failed in its review of sports betting advertisements. According to the report, 17 ads went live without required problem gambling references, including the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline.
Auditors warned that the missing safeguards increase risks for underage individuals and weaken the state’s responsible gambling system.
The report also pointed to shortcomings in the training of GameSense agents. These agents serve on the front lines of harm reduction by supporting players who may be struggling with gambling behavior. However, the audit revealed that many lacked full training, leaving them unprepared to properly assist those in need.
Get 125% / $2,500 on 1st deposit!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of up to $2,500
Auditors raised further concerns about the Commission’s handling of employee settlement agreements, saying the lack of accountability could mask workplace misconduct and erode public trust.
Another issue involved inconsistencies between Massachusetts General Laws and MGC regulations related to win/loss statements for casino reward cardholders. Players were not consistently given detailed monthly statements, depriving them of key information to manage their gambling responsibly.
Auditor DiZoglio called the findings “regulatory breakdowns” and emphasized that the Commission has six months to address the issues before a post-audit review. The expectation is that reforms will strengthen advertising oversight, bolster GameSense training, and improve transparency for both employees and players.
The post Massachusetts Gaming Commission Audit Finds Lapses in Oversight appeared first on iGaming.org.