Massachusetts Gaming Commission Discusses Betting Limits Without Participation from Major Sportsbooks

The roundtable was prompted by numerous consumer complaints regarding the reduction of wagering amounts by sportsbooks.

Jordan Maynard, the interim chair of the MGC, noted that the session included perspectives from gambling industry consultants, a responsible gambling advocate, and a professional bettor. Although no new policies were enacted, the discussion on this topic is set to continue.

Absence of Major Sportsbooks

Despite the significance of the discussion, ten sportsbook operators invited to the roundtable chose not to participate.

These operators, including Penn Entertainment, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, Caesars Sportsbook, Encore Boston Harbor, and BetMGM, cited concerns over the confidentiality of their proprietary systems and risk management strategies.

They requested a private session instead to discuss these issues.

Specific Statements from Sportsbooks

Penn Entertainment, which operates ESPN BET, defended its right to modify betting and payout limits.

“Penn may limit a patron for various reasons, including taking advantage of manipulating the sportsbook or abusing promotional play,” Samantha Haggerty, deputy chief compliance officer for Penn National wrote in the letter.

Similarly, DraftKings, in its written response, emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of its risk management practices.

A spokesperson stated that any meaningful discussion on wagering limits would necessarily involve the disclosure of sensitive business information, which they are not prepared to share publicly.

While the public roundtable did not result in new policy implementations, it highlighted the complexity of balancing consumer interests with the operational confidentiality required by sportsbooks.

The MGC plans to continue these discussions, seeking a resolution that addresses both consumer protection and the proprietary concerns of betting operators.