The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has named Carrie Torrisi as the new chief of the regulatory body’s sports wagering division.

The hiring follows the recent retirement of gambling industry veteran Bruce Band, who had been Massachusetts sports betting director since 2023.

Torrisi, a graduate of Boston’s Suffolk University Law School, has been with the MGC since 2015, serving as associate general counsel for nearly seven years before becoming deputy general counsel in 2022.

Massachusetts commissioners welcome Torrisi as sports wagering chief

Torrisi’s new position was announced at the MGC’s Sept. 12 public meeting by executive director Dean Serpa. After posting the job opening in July following Bruce Band’s retirement announcement, the commission received 43 applicants. The hiring committee interviewed five candidates.

Commissioner Nakisha Skinner congratulated Torrisi and called her a “wonderful leader.” Skinner said:

“The knowledge and expertise that she brings to this role is only going to mirror exactly what we saw as deputy general counsel for so many years. I appreciate you stepping up to take the reins. I wish you the best in your new role.”

MGC interim chair Jordan Maynard also expressed confidence in Torrisi to lead the division:

“In my over two years of being here, when I know Carrie has touched a project, I know the project is good and I know the work product is excellent. I have no doubt (that is) going to be brought to this new role, too . . . I know the sports wagering division is in really, really good hands.” 

Torrisi to manage all regulatory aspects of Massachusetts sports betting

As division chief, Torrisi will oversee and manage all aspects of sports wagering regulation in the Commonwealth. The position, according to the job posting, also requires the division chief to “maintain a thorough and current knowledge of trends and issues related to sports betting and ensure that staff in the division and throughout the agency receive appropriate training.”

At the Sept. 12 MGC meeting, Torrisi said:

“I am thrilled to be stepping into this new role after serving the commission in the legal department for the last nine years. I’m really excited for all of the interesting and challenging items ahead to work (on) with a really excellent team.”

The now-retired Band led the then-newly-formed sports wagering division beginning in early 2023 and oversaw Massachusetts’ sports betting launch last year.

https://www.playma.com/news/massachusetts-gaming-commission-announces-new-sports-wagering-division-chief-carrie-torrisi/