A recent audit by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office has brought to light significant shortcomings within the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), particularly concerning its handling of gambling advertisements and support for those affected by addiction. The report examines MGC’s operations from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023, focusing on how the commission regulates the state’s gaming industry, including casinos and sports wagering operators.
The MGC is responsible for overseeing two casinos—MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor—as well as the Plainridge Park Casino slots parlor. It also manages the regulatory framework for 13 licensed sports betting operators that provide online and in-person wagering across Massachusetts. The commission’s core mission is to enforce the 2021 expanded gaming law aimed at generating revenue and boosting local economies.
Failures in Advertising Oversight and Responsible Gambling
One of the audit’s key concerns is the MGC’s failure to review sports betting advertisements before they went public, which violates its regulatory duties. Seventeen ads were found lacking the required responsible gambling disclosures, including the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline. Such omissions increase the risk of gambling addiction and expose vulnerable groups—especially youth—to inadequate warnings.
The report also highlights that GameSense agents, tasked with assisting individuals facing gambling addiction, were not fully trained as mandated. Without proper training, these agents are ill-prepared to offer effective support, weakening the safety net intended to reduce gambling-related harm.
Transparency and Employee Settlement Issues
The audit also reveals that the MGC lacks a formal process for reviewing and approving employee settlement agreements. This absence of accountability creates the possibility of hiding workplace misconduct, potentially misusing public funds to shield offenders and silence victims. Such opacity threatens public trust in the commission.
Legal Conflicts and Consumer Impact
During the audit, two class action lawsuits surfaced against Massachusetts gaming venues. These lawsuits arose from conflicting state regulations regarding monthly win/loss statements that casinos must provide to reward cardholders, specifically between Massachusetts General Laws, Section 29 of Chapter 23K, and the Code of Massachusetts Regulations, 205 CMR 138.13(4).
The audit found that many cardholders did not receive clear and detailed monthly statements outlining their wins and losses. This deprives players of essential information needed to make informed, responsible gambling choices. The failure to comply with these rules not only affects patrons but also raises concerns about the MGC’s ability to enforce regulations effectively, especially since it receives a portion of casino revenues. This situation highlights tensions between regulatory oversight and industry profit motives.
Call for Stronger Oversight
Auditor DiZoglio underscored the importance of the MGC fulfilling its legal obligations and prioritizing protections against gambling addiction. “The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has a responsibility to follow the law and provide adequate oversight, especially pertaining to gambling addiction issues,” she said. “Our findings reveal regulatory breakdowns that we encourage the Commission to continue addressing over the course of the next six months, at which time we will conduct our post-audit review.”
The audit’s findings have sparked calls for the MGC to improve its monitoring of advertisements, ensure GameSense agents receive proper training, and increase transparency regarding employee settlements. These steps are essential to safeguard the public and maintain trust in Massachusetts’ gaming industry.
Source:
“Audit Highlights Needed Improvements at Massachusetts Gaming Commission”, mass.gov, August 28, 2025
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