The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is paying closer attention to how the three casinos that operate in the Bay State attract visitors to their properties—and to how that will dovetail into sports betting, which could soon be legalized.
The panel heard a report October 7 from its research and responsible gaming team, headed by Mark Vander Linden that studied six years of problem gambling in the state.
Among his recommendations: “Limit gambling advertising and availability, especially in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods, or groups that may be at increased risk of experiencing gambling harms.”
He continued, “I recognize that this may be difficult to achieve or to wrap our arms around in terms of policy.” Vander Linden added, “But if we know that individuals in lower socioeconomic groups, or there are specific groups that are at greater risk, we should take a look at what factors may exist within the community that we can have an influence over.”
The commission hasn’t discussed advertising as it relates to gaming for many years, said Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein and Commissioner Gayle Cameron, who has served on the commission since it was created, agreed.
Cameron added, “. . . I’m wondering how we could gather this information — is reports to the commission of inflammatory advertising, something that really is harmful, whether it be to young people or those kinds of neighborhoods.”
Vander Linden said the commission currently relies on guidance following industry guidelines on responsible gaming as laid out by the American Gaming Association.
However commissioners worry that the addition of sports betting—if it happens—will change things. If it is passed, the MGC is expected to be put in charge of regulating it.
Vander Linden said there are lessons to be learned from how other countries and jurisdictions regulator the activity. One thing he suggested was a “whistle-to-while” ban on sports betting advertisements, which the U.K. does.
So far, the House has approved of sports betting, but the Senate seems less interested in addressing it this year.
