How Illegal Sports Betting Is Crippled By Licensed Sportsbooks

Massachusetts is gearing up for the launch of sports betting, offering bettors a range of secure and lawful gambling options. Establishing a regulated market will bring numerous benefits to bettors in the state. With a legal sports betting market, individuals can expect sportsbooks that are reputable, compliant with regulations, contribute to taxes, and maintain financial stability.

It is crucial to steer clear of illegal and offshore gambling sites due to various reasons. These sites lack proper licensing from regulating bodies, making them inherently unsafe. By engaging with such sites, your personal information becomes vulnerable to potential threats. Additionally, there is a risk that they may withhold paying out winning bets.

Attorney General Press Release

A press release concerning a recent illegal sports betting case in Massachusetts was published by the Office of Attorney General Maura Healey on October 21.

Lonnie Hillson, along with his parents, was involved in an illegal sports betting operation. Recently, he pleaded guilty to multiple crimes associated with this activity and received a one-year sentence in the House of Corrections. Additionally, he was given three years of probation, which will be served simultaneously with his prison term. Hillson’s downfall came when he attempted to extort money for gambling from an undercover police officer.

Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, stated that the subject of the investigation operated a business that disregarded multiple laws and financially benefited from pushing gamblers into deeper debt, thus intensifying their harmful actions.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Operators Announce Full List of Hopefuls

Perks Of Legalized Sports Betting 

The establishment of a legal sports betting market in Massachusetts ensures that licensed sportsbooks adhere to uniform standards. Unlike in other states, where sportsbook operations, financials, and executive teams undergo thorough scrutiny before obtaining a license, this process goes beyond safeguarding customer data confidentiality. It also serves the purpose of preventing the entry of malicious individuals into the industry.

The absence of necessary regulations in illegal sports betting operations, such as the one managed by Hillson, highlights the lack of controls imposed by sports betting licenses. Due to their criminal backgrounds, the Hillsons would be ineligible to establish a legitimate sportsbook in Massachusetts.

Illegal sportsbooks do not provide the necessary transparency to demonstrate a track record of financial stability. Consequently, bettors cannot be certain if their winnings will be honored. There is a risk that an illegal sportsbook may choose not to pay out winnings or may face bankruptcy as a result of poor management.

If the Hillson’s operation is involved, law enforcement has the authority to close down any illegal sportsbook. Individuals who have placed bets will not receive a refund for their wagers. It is important to note that no reputable lawyer would be able to assist in retrieving illegal stakes or winnings.

One of the key advantages is that sportsbooks do not intimidate bettors who place bets on credit. Bettors have the option to use sportsbook bonuses and wager with site credits earned from playing with real money. Unlike some licensed sportsbooks, bettors are not required to lend their money in advance. These conditions ensure that bettors do not end up owing sportsbooks money that they are unable to repay. However, it should be noted that this does not guarantee that bettors will never face financial difficulties as a result of sports betting.

In conclusion, licensed sportsbooks contribute to tax revenue generation while unlicensed sportsbooks may only benefit their founders without being subject to taxation. Consequently, this results in a decreased amount of tax dollars being allocated to the general fund and the various programs in Massachusetts that were intended to be funded through sports betting.

Additionally, don’t miss: Underdog Steps Forward to Apply for Sports Betting License.

License Requirements Legitimize Legal Sportsbooks   

In addition to the financial and operational risks associated with illegal sportsbooks, they also pose an inconvenience. Unlike legal sportsbooks, which can be found at casinos and app stores, dealing with a bookie requires organizing a meeting. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about having a legal app on one’s phone, eliminating the risk of accidentally leading the police to an illicit sports betting operation.

Sportsbook license requirements establish guidelines that are anticipated by bettors for ethical business practices. They attract new bettors to explore sports betting and prevent a widespread revolt against the industry. However, if sportsbooks choose to exceed the limits of lenient advertising regulations, they may provoke such opposition regardless.

It is crucial to remember that legal options alone cannot eradicate illegal sports betting. Unregulated sportsbooks continue to entice bettors with incredibly favorable odds and bet limits that surpass those offered by licensed mobile sportsbooks.

On the other hand, unlicensed alternatives lack the protective measures offered by authorized sportsbooks for bettors. Once legalized sportsbooks are introduced in Massachusetts, user-friendly options will take the place of the services previously provided by the Hillsons.