Massachusetts officials cracked down on illegal sports betting and online casino operators last week.
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office announced last week it sent cease-and-desist letters to a pair of major offshore gambling companies: BetOnline.ag and Sportsbetting.ag.
Both companies were offering MA sports betting and online casino products without required licenses.
Illegal Massachusetts sports betting offerings
BetOnline and Sportsbetting.ag were offering casino-style games — like slots and blackjack — and sports betting, according to a press release. Those offerings were without proper Massachusetts Gaming Commission licenses.
The AG Office said the operators actively promote the products to Massachusetts residents. Last year, the office ordered Bovada to leave the market.
Atty. Gen. Joy Campbell has worked to combat public health harms related to gambling in young people. That includes a Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition, a private-public partnership she announced last year.
Keen eye on regulated market
As the state cracks down on offshore operators, the MGC is also one of the most active regulators in policing the regulated industry.
The commission has held regular hearings on violations of regulations, as well as hot topics, such as sports betting limits placed on customers.
Jordan Maynard, chair of the MGC, recently said the gambling industry has become “a highway without guardrails” and called for a nationwide advertising framework.
MA online casino talk
Massachusetts sports betting launched in January 2023.
Lawmakers began discussing online casino legalization last month. Sen. Paul Feeney and Rep. Daniel Cahill proposed legislation that would regulate and license online casino operators in the Bay State.
It would allow the state’s three brick-and-mortar casinos to partner with up to two online operators. The MGC could also award up to four untethered licenses.
Operators would pay a $5 million license fee for an initial five-year term. They would also pay a 20% tax on online casino revenue.
