(PRESS RELEASE) -- Ahead of the launch of sports wagering in the Commonwealth on 31 January, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is expanding options to help people to control their gambling. The MGC today announced that a Voluntary Self-Exclusion list has been established specifically for sports wagering.
Since the first casino in Massachusetts opened in 2015, more than 1,700 people have enrolled a VSE
program for casino gaming and today there are 1,329 individuals enrolled. The VSE programs are
designed to allow those who want to regain control a means to restrict their access to gambling for a pre-determined amount of time. With the introduction of sports wagering, individuals will have the
option to self-exclude from casino gaming floors, retail and digital sportsbooks, or both forms of
gambling.
Individuals interested in excluding themselves just from retail sportsbook locations or mobile/online sports wagering app are able to avail themselves of this option over the phone (1.800.GAM.1234), online (www.gamesensema.com), or in-person at a GameSense Info Centers at PPC, MGM and/or EBH. More information on the program can be found by visiting the Massachusetts Gaming
Commission Website. Those currently on the casino VSE list will remain so and will continue to be
excluded from the casino floor including the soon to be opened sportsbooks.
According to a 2022 study conducted by researchers at UMass Amherst, an estimated 13-20% of
Massachusetts adults have engaged in sports betting ahead of the law that legalized sports wagering
in the Commonwealth. The same study found evidence that the introduction of sprots wagering and
participation in sports wagering led to an increase in gambling harms.
“VSE programs are proven to be a successful tool for those who need a break from gambling to
manage their own play,” said MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein. “In light of research we have at our
disposal, the MGC and our licensees are committed to offering these types of programs and a range
of other resources to help gamblers in the Commonwealth.”
An early evaluation of the VSE program in Massachusetts found that enrollees reported significant
improvements in gambling problems, mental health, and relationship quality six-months after
enrolling. “While VSE is one way to help people struggling with a gambling problem, we highly
recommend they also seek treatment from a qualified clinician” said Mark Vander Linden, MGC
Director of Research and Responsible Gaming. The Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline (800-
327-5050) can provide callers with information about treatment and other resources.
“Massachusetts has provided innovation and leadership in the realms of problem and responsible
gambling,” said Marlene Warner, CEO, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health. “This early and
comprehensive approach to VSE continues in that tradition. We hope that anyone in need of a
conversation and some help with minimizing the impact gambling has on their life will consider this
evidence-based program.”
https://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article/massachusetts-gaming-commission-debuts-voluntary-self-exclusion-program-for-sports-wagering-249949