Massachusetts Gaming Commission Notes High Numbers of Voluntary Exclusion Participants
This week, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) disappointed many people with news that both their brand new Sports Wagering Self-Exclusion program and the long-standing Gaming Self-Exclusion program have seen an increase in subscribers since the COVID-19 pandemic's aftermath.
The MGC created the Sports Wagering Self-Exclusion program to coincide with the launch of Massachusetts' legal sports betting market on January 31st, 2023. Betting in person started on March 10th, while online sportsbooks started taking wagers.
The Sports Wagering Self-Exclusion program is a much-needed addition to the MGC's Gaming Self-Exclusion program, making it possible for problem gamblers and anyone else to block their access to the three physical casinos in the state. Additionally, the MGC allows people to self-exclude from both the casinos and sports betting via a single Dual Self-Exclusion registration.
Since 2021, casinos throughout the US have seen a significant increase in profits, partially due to a resurgence of life after the pandemic and partially due to the billions of dollars in government stimulus checks. Remote work allowed more people to have extra free time, which may have contributed to increased gambling activities.
High Self-Exclusion Enrollment
There are three casinos in Massachusetts, including Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park. The state has also licensed 10 retail and online sportsbooks.
In 2021, Massachusetts casinos took in over $1.13 billion from gamblers, an 11% jump in gaming revenue compared to the previous year. This amount is more than twice as much as what the three properties brought in during the bleak 2020 pandemic year.
The launch of sports betting is anticipated to further grow the gaming industry in Massachusetts, which ranked 15th among the 33 states with commercial gambling in 2022.
The MGC's latest data reveal that more than 1,400 individuals in Massachusetts have signed up for a self-exclusion program. This staggering figure represents the highest level of participation in this option statewide.
The success of the self-exclusion programs is attributed to the MGC's acceptance of online enrollment. Those looking to exclude themselves can do so by calling the 24-hour Safer Gaming Education Hotline at 1-800-426-1234, calling the MGC directly at 617-533-9737, emailing [email protected], or visiting the state's GameSense website.
Challenges with Sports Betting Exclusion
Despite the robust participation in the MGC's self-exclusion offerings, experts note that encouraging problem sports gamblers to enlist is a uniquely challenging task. Turner, the chief operating officer for the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, pointed out that these individuals generally believe they hold superior knowledge and skills in comparison to those who play slots and table games.
"We're finding that sports bettors are more similar to poker and pari-mutuel players than casino players. What that means is they consider themselves more informed and more skilled, more strategic," Chelsea Turner explained to the State House News Service.
"In order for us to talk to them, we know that we need to meet them where they're at," Turner said. "So, by us becoming experts on sports betting, it helps to establish a nice rapport with them. You need to speak their language and meet them where they're at."
Out of the 1,430 self-excluded participants, only 102 of them are using the Sports Wagering Self-Exclusion program.
Read also:
- Remaining contenders down to two in DFB's struggle versus Brazil.
- Law enforcement agencies in various metropolises plan expansive measures for May 1.
- Berlin Transport Senator Schreiner Steps Down over Doctorate Issues
- The Next Development in the DAZN/DFL Billion Euro Controversy
Source: www.casino.org
