Audit of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (August 28, 2025)
August 28, 2025 · Massachusetts Gaming Commission · Read the full official report on mass.gov ↗
Published August 28, 2025 Audit covers July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023 Under Diana DiZoglio · 2023–present
source
“MGC did not monitor sports wagering operators’ dissemination and distribution of advertising materials before they were issued to the public, as required 205 CMR 256.”
Read the plain-English breakdown
This is a state performance audit of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, covering selected activities during the audit period.
“In accordance with Section 12 of Chapter 11 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Office of the State Auditor has conducted a performance audit of certain activities of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023.”
Auditors checked whether the commission was properly overseeing underage gambling protections, sports betting controls and ads, gambling addiction supports, and employee settlement reporting.
“The purpose of our audit was to determine the following:”
Sports betting ads, gambling addiction support, and employee settlements all affect public trust, consumer protection, and how public money is used.
“Overall, these incidents highlight a lack of monitoring compliance and the need for MGC to enhance its oversight of sports wagering advertising to safeguard public interests and promote responsible gaming behavior.”
If you live in Massachusetts, this matters because the commission regulates gambling businesses that may advertise to the public, interact with people at risk of gambling harm, and use public resources.
“This gap in training could ultimately hinder MGC’s efforts to educate and inform those at risk about the dangers associated with gambling, potentially exacerbating their vulnerabilities.”
The auditor says the commission needs clearer procedures for reviewing sports betting ads, confirming GameSense training, and tracking employee settlements.
“MGC should develop, document, and implement a policy related to employee settlement agreements.”
The commission said it is taking steps to address the findings, and the auditor plans to check back in about six months.
“As part of our post-audit review process, we will follow up on this matter in approximately six months.”
The audit raises concerns that weak oversight can leave vulnerable people less protected and can make employee settlements harder to evaluate for fairness and accountability.
“Furthermore, public dollars could be abused to cover up harassment, discrimination, or other forms of misconduct, while protecting perpetrators of abuse.”
GameSense is the program meant to promote safer gambling behavior, and voluntary self-exclusion lets people block themselves from legal gambling in Massachusetts.
“GameSense is a third-party vendor that promotes positive behaviors and attitudes to reduce the negative effects of gambling addiction.”
2 figure(s) pending source verification - not shown
What the Auditor checked
- Complied Did MGC monitor the exclusion of minors and underage youths on the gaming floor in accordance with Sections 150.01 and 150.05 of Title 205 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR)?
- Complied Did MGC approve the sports wagering operators’ internal control plans (ICPs) to ensure that measures were in place to prevent minors and underage youths from placing sports wagers in accordance with 205 CMR 250.01(2)?
- Did not comply To what extent did MGC ensure that marketing materials from sports wagering operators were not disseminated or distributed to individuals under the age of 21 or to individuals who signed up for the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program, in accordance with 205 CMR 256.05?
- Did not comply Did MGC implement policies and procedures to support people affected by gambling addiction in accordance with 205 CMR 133.02(3)?
- Partially Did MGC report all monetary employee settlement claims to the Office of the Comptroller of the Commonwealth (CTR) in accordance with 815 CMR 5.09 and CTR’s “Settlement and Judgments Policy”?
What the Auditor found
Why it matters: The lack of review increased the risk that advertising would reach underage youths and people affected by gambling addiction without required responsible gaming protections.
Standard: Section 256 of Title 205 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations, including 205 CMR 256.05 and 205 CMR 256.06. ( Section 256 of Title 205 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations; 205 CMR 256.05; 205 CMR 256.06 )
1 recommendation
- MGC should establish policies and procedures to ensure that all sports wagering operators’ marketing materials are reviewed before being disseminated and distributed to the public.agency: agreed
Agency response & Auditor reply
Agency: "The MGC appreciates the Auditor’s work and comments on this topic and agrees that operator compliance regarding advertising and the content of advertisements is critical."
Auditor: "Based on its response, MGC is taking measures to address our concerns regarding this matter."
Why it matters: Untrained agents may lack the knowledge and skills needed to assist people affected by gambling addiction, weakening responsible gaming support.
Standard: 205 CMR 133.02. ( 205 CMR 133.02 )
1 recommendation
- MGC should develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that GameSense agents are properly trained before assisting people affected by gambling addiction.agency: already implemented
Agency response & Auditor reply
Agency: "As such, the MGC has since implemented a Certificate of Completion that the vendor must provide to both the agent and the MGC before the agent may enroll a patron in the VSE program."
Auditor: "Based on its response, MGC is taking measures to address our concerns regarding this matter."
Why it matters: Without an accountability process, MGC cannot ensure settlement agreements are handled ethically, legally, and appropriately, and public funds could be misused.
Standard: 815 CMR 5.09 and CTR’s “Settlement and Judgments Policy.” ( 815 CMR 5.09; CTR’s “Settlement and Judgments Policy” )
1 recommendation
- MGC should develop, document, and implement a policy related to employee settlement agreements.agency: agreed
Agency response & Auditor reply
Agency: "The MGC agrees with the Auditor’s finding."
Auditor: "Based on its response, MGC is taking measures to address our concerns regarding this matter."
More audits of this entity
Other Office of the State Auditor reports on Massachusetts Gaming Commission .
- Audit of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC)Authority / Commission · September 30, 2021