Audit finds oversight lapses at Massachusetts Gaming Commission
State audit raises concerns over sports betting ads, addiction support and transparency within gaming regulator.
Key Points
- Audit found 17 sports betting ads lacking responsible gambling information
- GameSense addiction support agents were not fully trained as required
- Reward cardholders did not receive detailed monthly statements
The Office of State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has released an audit of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), covering July 2020 through June 2023.
The report highlights multiple regulatory shortcomings, particularly in the oversight of responsible gambling practices.
The MGC is responsible for licensing and regulating gaming in Massachusetts, including two casinos, a slots parlor and 13 licensed sports wagering operators.
According to the audit, the Commission failed to properly review sports betting advertisements before they were released to the public.
Seventeen ads lacked required responsible gambling content, such as references to the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline.
This omission, the report states, risks exposing underage individuals to harmful material and weakening the state’s responsible gambling framework.
The audit also identified gaps in the training of GameSense agents, who are employed to provide support for people experiencing gambling harm.
Without full training, agents were found to be inadequately prepared to assist players, undermining a programme that is central to the state’s harm reduction efforts.
Further concerns were raised over the Commission’s lack of accountability when entering into employee settlement agreements, which could obscure workplace misconduct and diminish public trust in the regulator.
Good to know: Massachusetts sports betting revenue reached $621m in June 2025, with casino GGR increasing 17%
In addition, the audit flagged inconsistencies between Massachusetts General Laws and Commission regulations regarding win/loss statements for reward cardholders.
Players did not consistently receive detailed monthly statements, depriving them of information needed to make informed choices and to manage their play responsibly.
Auditor DiZoglio said the findings show “regulatory breakdowns” that the Commission must address within six months, when a post-audit review will take place.
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