Massachusetts regulators have moved closer to requiring sportsbooks to explain why certain bettors face wagering limits, approving proposed measures that would mandate disclosure when accounts are restricted. The decision places the state at the forefront of efforts to formally regulate a long-standing industry practice.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously, 5-0, to advance the measures during a public meeting. If ultimately adopted, the rules would require operators to notify customers when they have been limited and identify which betting markets are affected. The proposals must still go through a public comment period before returning to the commission for final consideration.
Regulators Unite Behind Disclosure
Commission members voiced uniform support for increased transparency, with no opposition raised during the discussion. MGC Chair Jordan Maynard framed the move as beneficial for consumers. “I think this is a good thing for the citizens and patrons of the Commonwealth,” Maynard said. “I’m an enthusiastic yes.”
Commissioner Nakisha Skinner, who initiated early inquiries into betting limits last year, said clarity for bettors remains essential. “Transparency is the goal here,” Skinner said. “And I think to get full transparency, at the very least, you have the information that this proposed legislation calls for, made absolutely clear to patrons.”
Maynard said the commission plans to continue reviewing the issue after the public comment period. He added that the MGC would “stay on top of this,” and assess future data to determine whether the measures “moved the needle in a positive direction.”
How The Issue Reached The Commission
The MGC began examining sportsbook limits in 2024, calling for discussions with licensed operators. An initial roundtable failed to take place, though a later session was eventually held. During those talks, sportsbooks argued that limiting accounts helps manage risk and protect against misuse.
Regulators also received complaints from bettors who believed restrictions followed successful wagering. Commissioner Brad Hill said providing reasons for limits should be standard practice.
An internal MGC study found that 0.64% of betting accounts in Massachusetts were limited between December 2024 and September 2025. Nearly 58% of those bettors could wager between 1% and 24% of the default bet amount. Maynard said those figures reinforce the need for explanation. “If they’re not limiting many people, they should be able to tell people why they’re limited and explain when they’re going to get off the limitation, when they’re coming on,” he said.
DraftKings Dispute Resolved
In separate business, the commission unanimously rejected DraftKings Sportsbook’s request to void a $934,137 payout to a single bettor. The operator cited a configuration error during the American League Championship Series involving wagers tied to Toronto Blue Jays player Nathan Lukes, who had been incorrectly listed as a “non-participant.”
DraftKings alleged fraud and unethical conduct, but regulators held the operator responsible for the mistake. A similar ruling was issued in New Jersey, while Pennsylvania regulators ruled in DraftKings’ favor.
Source:
“Massachusetts May Tell Bettors Why They’re Limited, And I Don’t Care”, sports.yahoo.com, December 19, 2025
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