Fanatics Fined $15K in Massachusetts over In-State College Wager

The leading betting operator that continues to expand its presence across the United States, Fanatics, received a new fine in Massachusetts.

Currently, the state doesn’t permit wagering on in-state college games. Massachusetts is among a list of states that banned such wagers in a move that seeks to protect young athletes and ensure the integrity of such competitions.

After recent cases of abuse against professional and collegiate athletes, more US states are considering banning bets on in-state college games.

Despite the regulations, breaches are not uncommon which is why the gambling watchdog in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), constantly monitors the market.

In light of a breach that came as a result of a bet of only $2 on an in-state college basketball game, Fanatics was recently fined in Massachusetts. During a meeting on Thursday, the MGC discussed the breach which dated back to December 2023.

At the time, Fanatics accepted a parlay bet that was worth $2. The wager was one out of four components that involved a non-tournament game of the state’s college basketball team. The aforementioned error was identified by Fanatics. Subsequently, the component of the parlay wager was canceled.

The MGC acknowledged that the betting operator contributed to the investigation into the matter. Still, the regulator recognized the wager was a breach of the gambling regulations which is why a fine of $15,000 was imposed against Fanatics Betting and Gaming. The aforementioned fine received unanimous approval from the MGC and was accepted by Fanatics, SBC Americas reports.

Massachusetts Anticipates Changes to Gambling Ads

The latest announcement comes at a time when Massachusetts is considering new gambling advertising regulations. Amid growing concerns related to problem gambling and the expansion of the betting and gaming sector, the state is planning additional rules for the protection of the players.

A major part of the proposed changes is related to limits to the advertising of high-risk games. Usually, such games are closely related to increased levels of harm. Moreover, Massachusetts is considering additional restrictions on gambling advertising, prohibiting celebrities from appearing in advertisements.

The recently imposed fine against Fanatics isn’t the first for Fanatics in Massachusetts. Back in February, after the MGC uncovered a breach related to a $50 wager on an in-state college football game, the operator received a monetary fine of $10,000.