Massachusetts Announces New Sports Betting Regulations
While the Super Bowl and March Madness college basketball tournament are the pillars of sports betting, Massachusetts’ universe of approved events and wagers is more expansive than you might expect. The gaming commission’s catalog includes everything from Australian Rules football and volleyball to floorball, handball and even beach soccer, plus a range of special events like the Oscars and Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement states that “gambling on any NHL game is prohibited.” That doesn’t necessarily mean players can’t place wagers outside of their teams’ facilities or when they’re away from the game. The league’s constitution conveys a similar message, noting that players are prohibited from placing wagers on any NHL-related event.
Putting something at risk to win money (even if for less than $1) on a pro, college or amateur sporting event could be a violation of NCAA rules and risk eligibility. Providing information to facilitate gambling on an official competition also violates NCAA rules.
In an attempt to mitigate these risks, the NFL beefed up its in-house technology and began partnering with sportsbooks and integrity firms to monitor the betting market. It now has visibility into every bet on the NFL, including where it’s placed and who’s making them. MLB likewise collaborates with regulators, sportsbooks and independent integrity monitors to ensure it’s the first to know when any betting activity isn’t in compliance with its policies. These efforts are backed by in-house investigations and sanctions that include fines, suspensions and expulsions.