As the US gambling industry continues to expand rapidly, Jordan Maynard, Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), has raised concerns about the lack of national oversight. Maynard compared the industry to “a highway without speed limits,” emphasizing that, while the market has flourished, regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep pace. He pointed out the need for federal intervention, particularly in areas such as advertising regulations and self-exclusion measures, which are currently handled inconsistently across individual states.

Lack of national regulation fuels industry concerns:

Maynard’s warning comes in the wake of the US Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling that overturned a federal ban on sports betting. Since that decision, 37 states have legalized sports betting, prompting a surge in operators and a boom in gambling revenue. However, the lack of a unified regulatory approach has left consumers vulnerable and created significant gaps in protections for those at risk of gambling addiction. Maynard advocates for nationwide advertising standards that would curb misleading promotions and calls for a federal exclusion list that could block problem gamblers across state lines, a measure that currently lacks enforcement.

“The current system, where every state handles its own regulations, is simply not enough,” said Maynard in an interview with The Guardian. “Right now, we have inconsistent advertising rules, and gamblers who face addiction issues can bypass state-level restrictions just by crossing a border. We need to address these gaps at the federal level.”

Maynard, who joined the MGC in 2022, emphasized that his role as a regulator is focused on consumer protection, rather than facilitating the growth of the gambling industry. “My priority is to ensure that the people of Massachusetts are safe and that the legal gambling market is not exploited,” he said. “I’m not thinking about big business. I’m thinking about: how does this affect the patrons and the citizens of Massachusetts?”

This stance has at times put him at odds with the operators. For example, in 2024, Maynard convened a roundtable to discuss sports betting operators’ practices concerning limits on gamblers. Initially, ten operators had agreed to attend, but they pulled out last minute, opting for private meetings instead. Maynard, undeterred by the industry’s reluctance to engage publicly, expressed his belief that transparency is vital for the integrity of the sector.

“Transparency is key to integrity,” Maynard remarked. “Operators were concerned about having the conversation in the open, but that’s exactly what we need to ensure that the industry is held accountable.”

Combatting the growth of the illegal gambling market:

A consistent point of contention between operators and regulators is the issue of illegal sports betting platforms. While legal operators argue that regulations might push bettors toward unregulated markets, Maynard has dismissed this concern. “I don’t like the unregulated market being used as the boogeyman to justify every operator’s actions,” he said. “I want the illegal market to either not exist, or if it does, it should be in a competitive space with regulated platforms.”

Maynard’s efforts have also been focused on tackling the illegal market through both public education and regulatory actions. For instance, he pointed to the recent introduction of weapons detectors in Massachusetts casinos, a move that operators initially opposed but later accepted after seeing the positive impact on patron safety. “The friction created by these regulations is worth it to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” he added.

In addition to regulating advertising, Maynard is also concerned about underage gambling, especially on college campuses. “No one wants to hear me lecture them about why they shouldn’t be gambling,” Maynard acknowledged. “But when operators, athletes, and leagues step in, that’s where we can see real change.” He advocates for increased public education and collaboration between industry stakeholders, including sports leagues and athletes, to help prevent underage gambling.

Artificial intelligence is also playing an increasing role in the gambling industry, with Maynard suggesting that technology can be harnessed to encourage responsible gambling. “If operators are using technology to target bettors, they can also use that technology to promote healthy behaviors,” he noted.

Despite the challenges, Maynard remains resolute in his approach. “There are days I don’t know if anyone cares about what we’re doing,” he admitted. “Regulators across the board are not being respected.” However, he is committed to balancing the need for consumer protection with the realities of a rapidly expanding market. “I sleep really well at night because I know I’m doing my job to protect people,”Maynard said, concluding that it’s time to find the “speed limits and seatbelts” for the gambling industry.