Audit Shows Weaknesses in Massachusetts Gaming Supervision

A new audit of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has raised worries about how the agency watches over casinos and the state’s booming sports betting scene. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office did the review, looking at how things ran from July 2020 to June 2023. It pointed out a bunch of problems that might hurt consumer safety and make people lose faith in the system.

Regulatory Failures Found in Sports Betting Ads and Casino Support Programs

A key finding from the audit revealed that sports betting ads were not checked before they went public. Seventeen ads did not include the state’s problem gambling helpline information, and many were sent to people under 21 or those known to struggle with gambling addiction, which comprises clear breaches of state rules. Those who support responsible gambling say these mistakes could expose at-risk groups to pushy marketing.

The commission’s GameSense program, which aims to help those at risk of gambling harm, also faced criticism. Half the agents checked did not have proof they had finished the required training. The auditors warned that without proper preparation, these front-line workers might not be able to help customers who need assistance.

Other worries focused on openness within the commission. The audit discovered that employee settlements did not have a process to hold people accountable. This raised concerns that tax money might be used to fix workplace issues while hiding bad behavior from the public. DiZoglio stressed that these practices weaken trust in state organizations and pushed for changes to make sure things are more open.

Audit Spurs Scrutiny of Casino Reporting Practices and Promises of Reform

The review also pointed out ongoing arguments about the monthly win-loss statements that state law requires casinos to give to rewards club members. The 2011 law says these statements should go to members’ physical addresses by mail, but the commission later allowed email delivery. This change in policy has led to two class-action lawsuits against MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino. Critics say electronic notices are too easy to miss, leaving players without a clear picture of their betting habits.

The Gaming Commission agreed with the findings and promised to do better. They have hired an outside auditor to check advertising compliance and have started keeping certification records for GameSense staff. Thomas Mills, speaking for the commission, said the audit’s suggestions would help make the agency stronger as a regulator.

Public health advocates, though, remain doubtful. Some claim that the commission’s unwillingness to enforce tougher rules helps the industry but hurts consumers. Lawmakers are working on bills to limit gambling ads even more, but these ideas are still new.DiZoglio’s team will check back in six months to see how well the commission has put the suggested changes into action.