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Read Full BioJordan Maynard, the chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), has warned that the US gambling industry is becoming a “highway without speed limits”, pointing to the lack of adequate and consistent regulatory oversight at a national level.
Unlike many countries where gambling is regulated at a national level, gambling regulation in the United States is governed by individual states and varies from state to state. That creates loopholes, such as inconsistent advertising standards and protections for individuals with a potential risk of problem gambling.
According to Maynard, the unregulated expansion raises significant concerns about potential harms to vulnerable individuals and the general public.
In an interview with The Guardian, he points out that topics such as national advertising regulations and self-exclusion programs are “ripe for a federal conversation.”
Prioritizing Public Health and Safety Above Industry Profits
Reflecting on the US online gambling industry, Maynard told the Guardian:
“When I think about the industry right now, I see a highway without speed limits, cars without seatbelt dingers,”
“Regulators are who put the seatbelt dingers in. I don’t think the car manufacturers just woke up one day and decided to annoy whoever’s driving the car until they put their seatbelt on.”
That’s where Maynard says, regulators come in. Gambling regulators, such as the MGC, have two primary goals: to protect the legal market from illegal threats and to safeguard the general public. The MGC chair says his primary focus is on the latter:
“A lot of people try to figure me out as a regulator. It’s really, really simple,”
“I’m not thinking about big business … I’m thinking about: how does this affect the patrons and the citizens of Massachusetts?”
Maynard joined the MGC in 2022. In spring 2024, he became the interim chair, and in the fall, he took on the permanent position. However, his regulatory approach has not always been welcomed by operators.
For instance, last year, he called a roundtable for discussions with the 10 sports betting operators in the state. However, none of them showed up, as they didn’t want to hold public talks.
Advertising Regulations: Does Maynard Have a Point?
Advertising rules vary vastly across states with regulated online gambling, highlighting the regulatory picture Maynard criticizes.
Some states have strict controls. For example, New York requires gambling ads to have compulsive play assistance messaging. Also, the state bans ads that could target children and minors or portray gambling as a means of financial success.
Tennessee, meanwhile, requires operators to submit all marketing material to the state’s regulator before publication. The state also prohibits celebrity endorsements, a provision that is lacking in many states, such as Florida and Pennsylvania.
In contrast, Indiana has fewer restrictions. It allows the use of celebrity athletes and promotions that highlight winning potential, which could entice players with potential gambling risks.
One lawmaker who shares Maynard’s views on national advertising standards is New York Representative Paul Tonko. Earlier this year, Tonko initiated his third attempt to pass the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act.
Tonko’s SAFE Bet Act would regulate gambling advertising at the federal level and restrict particular language. The proposed legislation would also specify when and where gambling operators are permitted to advertise.
Disparities in the Availability of Responsible Gambling Tools
While there are nationwide responsible gambling tools, such as the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline, operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, the availability and effectiveness of responsible gambling tools vary widely across states.
New Jersey, one of the most mature gambling markets in the US, has taken a proactive approach. The Garden State has a self-exclusion program, which covers all operators. The state also mandates deposit limits and provides access to player activity data in real-time. It also requires operators to monitor potential red flags and report them to the relevant state authorities.
In Connecticut, operators must implement “cool-off” periods and display clear and accessible data on available problem gambling tools and resources.
In contrast, Arkansas does not have mandatory self-exclusion programs. The state also has lenient requirements on operator transparency on player losses or activity.
Education and training requirements also vary. For example, Pennsylvania requires employees in the gambling industry to attend annual responsible gambling training. Many other states, such as Illinois and West Virginia, either only recommend such training or lack a mandate entirely.
