New England Gambling Report Card: A Wake-Up Call
A new report card assessing online gambling protections has delivered a harsh verdict for New England states, with Massachusetts receiving a D grade. The rankings, released by the Center for Addiction Science, Policy and Research (CASPR), highlight a concerning lack of safeguards against problem gambling as the industry rapidly expands.
The State of Play in Massachusetts
Legal sports betting launched in Massachusetts in March 2023. By September 2025, the state had collected approximately $339.15 million in taxes from the industry. While the state has implemented some protective measures – a credit card ban for funding bets, a problem gambling hotline, and funding for responsible gaming messaging – significant gaps remain.
The report identifies a lack of mandatory loss limits, the allowance of in-game live betting, and the absence of requirements for operators to intervene with users displaying risky betting patterns as key factors contributing to the low grade. Massachusetts also doesn’t require spousal consent for joint accounts, allow players to set limits, or restrict advertising.
“Massachusetts got out over its skis; it adopted all without appropriate regulation,” said Harry Levant, director of gambling policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University. “And now it’s time to do something about that.”
A National Trend and the Rise of Problem Gambling
The CASPR report isn’t an isolated case. The rankings reveal a broader trend of states prioritizing revenue over public health as online gambling expands. The U.S. Industry reported $13.68 billion in revenue on nearly $150 billion in total wagers in 2024.
Researchers emphasize that gambling is an addictive behavior, comparable to substance addictions like heroin, opioids, tobacco, and alcohol. A concerning statistic highlighted in the report is that more than half of sports betting revenue comes from problem gamblers. A study in Connecticut found that 51% of revenue originated from roughly 2% of the population struggling with severe gambling addiction.
The accessibility of mobile betting – with users placing bets 90% of the time on their phones – and the prevalence of live, in-game betting are identified as factors exacerbating compulsive behavior.
Legislative Responses and Potential Solutions
Massachusetts currently has two bills under consideration. One aims to legalize online casino gambling, with proponents arguing it could curb illegal gambling and increase tax revenue. The other, the “My Better Health Act” (bill SD1657), proposed by State Sen. John Keenan, seeks to impose stricter regulations on sports betting to address addiction.
Key provisions of the “My Better Health Act” include banning in-play and proposition bets, prohibiting advertising during games, increasing taxes to 51% from 20%, and requiring affordability check-ins for high-volume users. Levant believes its passage would position Massachusetts as a leader in responsible gambling regulation.
New England Rankings: A Regional Overview
- Massachusetts: 62/100, D
- Maine: 51/100, D
- Vermont: 51/100, D
- New Hampshire: 41/100, F
- Connecticut: 17/100, F-
- Rhode Island: 11/100, F-
FAQ About Online Gambling and Addiction
What makes online gambling potentially addictive?
The 24/7 accessibility, ease of use on mobile devices, and fast-paced nature of in-game betting contribute to its addictive potential.
What are some warning signs of problem gambling?
Warning signs include chasing losses, betting with money needed for essential expenses, lying about gambling habits, and feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back.
Where can I find help for a gambling problem?
Massachusetts has a problem gambling hotline. Resources are also available through the National Council on Problem Gambling: https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Did you know? More than half of sports betting revenue comes from problem gamblers, according to research.
Pro Tip: Set a budget before you start gambling and stick to it. Don’t chase losses, and remember that gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a source of income.
What are your thoughts on the regulation of online gambling? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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