The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has launched Bet on Respect, a program targeting harassment of athletes linked to sports wagering. The initiative allows regulators to investigate complaints and exclude individuals found responsible from sports betting and casino facilities.
The program follows growing concerns that legal sports wagering has coincided with increased abusive messages and confrontations involving bettors. The Commission will use Massachusetts gaming regulations, including 205 CMR 152, to remove people who engage in harassment.
“Good-natured cheering and jeering are acceptable and even expected at sporting events, but sports wagering is an activity for adults, and adults should know better than to cross the line into harassment,” said Jordan Maynard, Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chair.
New Process For Reporting Harassment
Athletes, sports organizations, venues, college athletics programs and other individuals can submit suspected harassment through a new online reporting portal.
The Sports Wagering Division will review the information and evidence before referring cases to the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau. The bureau may investigate further, determine that exclusion criteria have not been met or begin the process of removing a bettor from regulated gambling.
“Today, we’re launching Bet on Respect. Whether you place a bet or not, adults should know better,” said MGC commissioner Eileen O’Brien. “Harass an athlete in Massachusetts, and you will lose access to sports wagering in the Commonwealth.”
Excluded individuals will also receive information about resources for gambling-related harm. The MGC has promoted the initiative through a video featuring representatives from organizations including the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and New England Revolution.
Gambling-Linked Abuse Remains A Concern
NCAA research found that 51% of Division I men’s basketball student-athletes experienced online harassment related to athletic performance, while 46% connected the abuse directly to gambling.
“I’ve been attending sporting events in Boston for as long as I can remember, so it’s safe to say over the years I’ve seen it all,” said Commissioner Brad Hill. “Especially the harassment directed at the players. It’s gotten even worse since sports wagering became legal, so the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is doing something about it.”
Professional baseball players have reported aggressive messages from bettors, while golfers have raised concerns about disruptive wagering-related conduct during competitions.
Broad Backing For Bet On Respect
The campaign has support from Massachusetts sports organizations, gambling operators and industry groups, including the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Legacy FC, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, NCAA, Bally Bet, BetMGM/MGM Springfield, Caesars, DraftKings, Encore Boston Harbor, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, and Penn Entertainment/Plainridge Park Casino.
FanDuel said it supports the program and maintains a zero-tolerance approach to abusive conduct. BetMGM has previously changed its terms of service to allow the suspension of bettors who harass athletes or others involved in sporting events.
Louisiana and West Virginia have also introduced measures allowing authorities to exclude or ban bettors who threaten or harass people involved in sporting competitions. The MGC expects further support for Bet on Respect and continues to encourage responsible conduct from sports bettors.
Source:
“Massachusetts Introduces Bet on Respect To Curb Athlete Harassment”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, September 3, 2026
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