Massachusetts Regulator Chair Sounds the Alarm on America’s Fast-Expanding Gambling Industry

Jordan Maynard, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, discussed his thoughts regarding the US gambling industry in a recent interview with The Guardian. He argued that the sector desperately needs proper oversight, as rapid expansion has left many state-level regulators unable to keep up with shifting industry dynamics, leaving many individuals vulnerable to gambling harm.

The Gambling Sector Is Outpacing Regulatory Efforts

Since the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, 37 states have legalized wagering. That speed, Maynard warned, has outpaced discussions on player protection, industry oversight, and long-term public health. With most operators focusing on maximizing profits, the gambling sector’s growth often comes at the expense of consumers.

“What we’re going to do is make sure that those who seek to benefit economically from this industry are held to high standards.”

Jordan Maynard, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Maynard, who headed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in 2023, was adamant that the state-level regulatory patchwork is no longer tenable. He pointed to issues like cross-border exclusion list loopholes and the deluge of betting commercials targeting youth as examples where national standards are sorely needed.

Maynard was particularly concerned about the creeping normalization of sports wagering among teenagers and college students who often find ways to circumvent age restrictions, often by engaging with unregulated offshore operators. The black market remains another significant concern, drawing users with larger bonuses and lax requirements. However, Maynard added that this was no excuse to let licensed operators off the hook.

Consumer Safety Must Always Be a Priority

According to Maynard, the only feasible solution for a fair and equitable gambling market remains a nationwide exclusion system and a coordinated approach to advertising rules. He acknowledged neither will be easy to implement. However, he remained confident that federal regulations are the only way to keep operators in check and ensure they are a safer choice than black market entities.

“I don’t want the legal market to race to be the illegal market. I want the illegal market to either not exist, or if it does exist, it’s in a highly competitive space with what’s regulated.”

Jordan Maynard, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

He was pleased by efforts from some companies to produce responsible gambling content, especially when involving athletes or major leagues. However, Maynard advocated for caution when using new technology. As operators increasingly adopt AI to identify “high-value” users, he argues that the same tools could help flag dangerous patterns or prevent risky behaviors.

“What we’re going to do is make sure that those who seek to benefit economically from this industry are held to high standards.”

Jordan Maynard, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Despite his outspoken stance, Maynard acknowledged that he can’t single-handedly reform an industry worth tens of billions. However, he was convinced that regulators play an invaluable role in ensuring individuals can safely gamble as a hobby, installing the necessary safeguards to prevent a fun activity from turning into something darker.