The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is taking proactive steps to address the practice of sportsbooks limiting bettors, a practice known as “being in the box.” While operators often cite financial risk management, some bettors are restricted solely for consistent winning. The MGC is exploring ways to ensure fairness, transparency, and continued engagement in state-regulated sports betting.
Data Shows Small but Targeted Limits
Recent analysis from MGC staff, based on data from the state’s seven licensed online sportsbooks, revealed that only 0.64% of Massachusetts bettors were limited as of last December. Of these, 57.6% faced restrictions to 1–24% of the default bet, while 12.7% were capped at less than 1%.
The data also indicated that sharper bettors—those who consistently beat the closing line—were more likely to face limitations, while losing bettors and VIPs often retained full betting privileges. As the memo to commissioners noted, “Players who consistently beat the closing line are more likely to have a lower stake factor… and individuals whose limits have been raised are far more likely to be classified as VIPs while very few limited players had VIP status.”
MGC Chair Jordan Maynard stressed fairness: “Sports wagering operators need to manage risk, and patrons who take advantage of the legal market are often limited for justifiable reasons. That being said, anecdotal reports that a small number of patrons find themselves facing restrictive limits with little to no justification or notification appears to be true. It also appears to be true that operators are correct that only a small number of patrons are limited.”
Steps Toward Greater Transparency
At a recent commission meeting, three immediate actions were outlined:
- Drafting new regulations to require sportsbooks to notify bettors if their account is limited, possibly including the rationale.
- Revisiting advertising rules to ensure operators do not promote big wins without disclosing potential account restrictions.
- Engaging with operators to gather feedback on the data and clarify the reasoning behind limiting practices.
Commissioner Eileen O’Brien emphasized the importance of letting limited bettors regain access: “I do like the idea of trying to figure out when and how people get out of that box.”
Considering Broader Market Dynamics
Consultant Dustin Gouker noted that limited bettors also include courtsiders, arbitragers, and syndicate players. While restricted in state-regulated sportsbooks, these bettors can still wager freely in federally regulated prediction markets and other non-state platforms. Gouker suggested Massachusetts could attract sharp-friendly operators like Circa or Prime Sportsbook or adjust regulatory frameworks to compete effectively.
Ultimately, while outright bans on limits may be unrealistic, the MGC appears focused on enhancing transparency, accountability, and opportunities for limited bettors to remain in the regulated market. Chair Maynard concluded: “The commonwealth must ensure that patrons who are not taking advantage of books are allowed to wager in the regulated market.”
Source:
“MA regulators take steps to require books to notify limited bettors”, massgaming.com, September 30, 2025
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