Massachusetts Responsible Gambling: Rules, Regulations & Guidelines

Massachusetts has emerged as a national leader in responsible gambling regulation, combining casino gaming oversight with one of the most comprehensive public health approaches to problem gambling in the United States.

The state’s regulatory framework stands apart through its mandatory GameSense program, extensive research requirements, and dedicated Public Health Trust Fund that channels approximately $24 million annually toward prevention, treatment, and research initiatives.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversees three commercial gaming facilities: MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, and Plainridge Park Casino (a slots-only parlor). Sports betting launched in January 2023 for retail operations and March 2023 for mobile betting, with 13 licensed operators currently serving the Massachusetts market.

The 2011 Expanded Gaming Act and 2022 Sports Wagering Act established not just regulatory frameworks but research mandates that position Massachusetts as a testing ground for evidence-based gambling policy.

What distinguishes Massachusetts is its integration of gambling regulation with public health infrastructure. The state required comprehensive baseline surveys before casinos opened, has funded multi-year longitudinal studies through the Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) project, and mandates that casinos directly fund responsible gaming interventions.

This approach reflects legislative recognition that gambling expansion creates both economic opportunities and public health challenges requiring proactive mitigation.

At a Glance

Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

Massachusetts operates a comprehensive Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) program allowing individuals to restrict themselves from casino gambling, sports wagering, or both. The program has enrolled more than 1,700 participants since 2015, with 1,329 currently on the casino gaming exclusion list as of January 2023. VSE enrollment expanded with sports betting launch to provide separate exclusion options for different gambling formats.

Individuals may choose exclusion periods of 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or lifetime. The lifetime exclusion option is only available after completing a shorter exclusion period first—this staged approach encourages individuals to test the program before making a permanent commitment. An early evaluation found that VSE enrollees reported significant improvements in gambling problems, mental health, and relationship quality six months after enrolling.

Enrollment requires completion of an application and intake performed by a designated agent. Massachusetts offers multiple enrollment pathways to reduce barriers: in-person at GameSense Info Centers located at all three casinos, by phone at 1-800-GAM-1234, through online chat at GameSenseMA.com, or via remote enrollment for those unable or uncomfortable enrolling in person. To schedule an appointment with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission directly, individuals can email vse@massgaming.gov or call 617-533-9737.

During the exclusion period, gaming VSE participants are prohibited from entering the gaming area of any Massachusetts casino. To reduce temptation, all reward points are forfeited or suspended, and players are automatically removed from marketing lists. An excluded person identified within the gaming area will be escorted out and must forfeit money or items converted to wagering instruments, including chips, tokens, electronic credits, TITO slips, and non-complimentary pay vouchers.

Sports wagering VSE participants cannot place wagers at Massachusetts retail sportsbooks or on any Massachusetts-licensed mobile sports wagering platforms. If an individual has a pending wager when they self-exclude, the wager is canceled and funds returned. Participants who enroll in both gaming and sports wagering VSE face restrictions across all formats.

Individual operators may, at their discretion, extend Massachusetts VSE to all forms of gambling offered by that operator, including properties and platforms outside Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission distributes the VSE list to licensees every Monday and Thursday (unless holidays) to ensure proper enforcement. Licensees share the list with affiliates in other jurisdictions and with their marketing departments to ensure removal from all promotional communications.

Those on the VSE list cannot collect winnings or recover losses resulting from violations, cannot accept complimentary gifts or services from Commission-licensed facilities, and are prohibited from receiving anything of value from retail locations or mobile platforms.

The program exists to help people control their gambling through external controls when internal controls have weakened.

Signage, Disclosures, and Digital Protections

Problem gambling hotline information must be displayed prominently in physical locations and upon each entry into mobile and digital wagering platforms.

Advertising and Marketing Restrictions

Advertising must comply with 205 CMR 256.00 and may not be deceptive, misleading, or targeted to underage individuals.

Key Takeaways

Massachusetts emphasizes prevention, transparency, and public health integration through enforceable player protections, centralized self-exclusion, and strict advertising oversight.

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