Recently Released Snapshot Report Calls for In-Game Betting to be Prohibited

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

A die-hard fan of the Patriots, Matt Speakman is an expert on everything related to sports betting and DFS sites. Over the years, he has proven a valuable asset for our team at online-gambling.com. You can find Speakman's professional tips and tricks in any of his many articles on the website.

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Last updated: September 10, 2022

A preview report that was released recently by the MGC (Massachusetts Gaming Commission) contained a proposal to prohibit in-game betting as one of its sports betting laws. In-game wagering, which is also referred to as micro betting, is an increasing segment of the United States sports betting industry. Startups like nVenue and Betr received millions of dollars to assist in releasing their products. They received it from investors.

The researchers who carried out the report for the MGC stated that they discovered that “in play sports betting is disproportionately utilized by problem gamblers.” The researchers recommend that licensed operators in the state should be needed to provide player data to the commission. They also asked the operators to cooperate with researchers.

The study was carried out by Martha Zorn, Valerie Evans, and Rachel A. Volberg. A University of Lethbridge health sciences faculty member, Robert J. Williams, was also part of those who carried out the study. The mentioned people are members of the SEIGMA team, which is funded by the MGC.

MGC Holds Public Meeting

The MGC recently had a public gathering to talk about responsible gaming activities in relation to sports betting. The meeting featured a roundtable discussion on self-exclusion that is voluntary. Employee training and measures required to stop underage from betting were also discussed.

Participants in the conversation include Alan Feldman, a reputable UNLV representative in charge of gaming, Keith Whyte, the National Council on Problem Gambling executive director, and Brianne Doura-Schawohl, CEO and founder of Doura-Schawohl Consulting.

Marlene Warner, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health executive director, Cait DeBaun, the American Gaming Association’s vice president of strategic communications and responsibility, and Elizabeth Lanza, from the office of problem and compulsive gambling at the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, was also involved.

What to Know About Massachusetts Sports Betting?

Last month, Massachusetts officially passed its sports betting law. The compromise between Senate and House members included a partial prohibition on betting on in-state college sports teams. Betting on teams like UMass and Boston College won’t be allowed during regular season games. However, markets on in-state teams for postseason, tournaments, or otherwise can be offered by sportsbooks, as long as there are at least four teams included.

The state’s casinos are permitted by law to offer onsite sports betting. Each casino can collaborate with a maximum of two online sports betting applications. The law gives simulcasting and racetracks facilities the chance to collaborate with an app. Furthermore, it permits seven online operators that are not related to a racetrack, casino, or simulcasting facility.

The MGC recently announced that 42 companies indicated their plan to submit an application for a license on sports betting. BetMGM, LLC, 888 US, Inc. (888 Holdings), and Betr Holdings, Inc. were among the companies to apply. While the Massachusetts sports betting bill has been passed, the exact date when sports wagering will launch in the state is unclear. Gaming Commissioner of Massachusetts, Bradford R. Hill, recently dismissed rumors that a retail launch will occur in the following three weeks. Therefore, what will happen next and when the official retail launch will take place is yet to be seen.