Op-Ed: Massachusetts Sports Betting Companies Must Prioritize Responsible Gambling

This article was submitted to Play MA for publication by William J. Pascrell, III and Martin Lycka, and the opinions conveyed in this article belong to them.

Massachusetts has recently welcomed the introduction of legal sports betting, a few months after being approved by Governor Baker. Retail betting will commence at three designated locations on January 31st, coinciding perfectly with the Super Bowl and March Madness.

The focus on a flourishing industry and projected tax incomes has overshadowed a crucial concern for the residents of the Bay State: problem gambling has not received the same level of attention.

Although most individuals who gamble do so responsibly, there is a potential gambling problem for approximately 5 million Americans annually. The consequences of gambling addiction go beyond the individuals themselves and have a negative impact on their families and communities. If gambling operators in Massachusetts do not enhance their responsible gambling measures, these effects could intensify as gambling becomes more prevalent.

At present, only 9% of the tax revenues generated from sports betting in Massachusetts will be allocated to the state’s Public Health Trust Fund. This fund supports a range of programs aimed at preventing and addressing problem gambling. It is crucial to allocate a larger portion of these tax revenues towards assisting individuals struggling with gambling addiction. This can be achieved by establishing treatment centers and conducting research to understand the underlying causes of addiction. Additionally, operators should utilize this data to enhance their safety protocols.

Several state agencies in Ohio have introduced a responsible gambling campaign prior to the launch of sports betting in the state. The campaign aims to raise awareness among residents about the risks and indicators of problem gambling. Additionally, these agencies have initiated a program that enables individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from all forms of legal gambling.

Similar to Ohio, Massachusetts also has a responsibility to tackle the issue of problem gambling. However, it is primarily the duty of gambling companies to safeguard their customers. This is not only because they are accountable for the products people gamble on, but also because they possess the greatest potential to implement measures that can mitigate the risks associated with problem gambling.

In order to prevent problematic gambling behavior, operators should make use of all available technologies to track such behavior and restrict access to their platforms for those gamblers. Gambling companies have the ability to gather various data points indicating addictive gambling behavior, commonly referred to as “markers of protection,” and it is imperative for them to integrate this data into their compliance and safety protocols.

In addition to their primary functions, operators have the ability to support responsible gambling initiatives by exploring innovative approaches to connect with gamblers and individuals belonging to high-risk groups such as college athletes. One such example is the Entain Foundation U.S., where we hold the position of trustees along with former New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer. This foundation actively sponsors or collaborates with various responsible gambling organizations.

Addressing problem gambling in all forms is crucial for the gambling industry in Massachusetts. In addition to the ethical responsibility of operators to safeguard their customers, the industry relies on a strong customer base, favorable regulations, and public support to thrive. Failure to effectively tackle problem gambling would jeopardize all of these essential factors.

Both the state and gambling operators need to commit to their responsibilities in safeguarding the industry and protecting vulnerable populations this New Year.

William J. Pascrell, III and Martin Lycka serve as Trustees at Entain Foundation U.S., an esteemed nonprofit that focuses on advocating responsible gambling, upholding sports integrity, and ensuring corporate compliance in the United States. With a strong commitment to their mission, the organization actively supports a range of informative and educational initiatives on problem gambling. Their programs cater to professional athletes, collegiate athletes, coaches, and teams across 40 prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S., as well as various affiliated leagues.