Massachusetts Gaming Commission Launches Bet on Respect to Stop Athlete Harassment

On August 31, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced Bet on Respect, a new initiative responding to increased athlete harassment since Massachusetts sports betting became legal. The program uses Massachusetts law and Commission regulation 205 CMR 152, which governs excluded individuals, to address harassment directed at athletes online or in person and can result in exclusion from casinos and sports wagering.

How the Reporting Process Works

Representatives of leagues, players' associations, college athletics programs, sports venues and players can report suspected harassment through a new portal established by the Commission. The MGC will investigate reported incidents, and patrons found to have engaged in athlete harassment may face involuntary exclusion from sports wagering and casino properties in Massachusetts.

Individuals excluded for athlete harassment will also receive information about programs and resources available to those experiencing gambling related harms.

Commission and Team Support

"Good-natured cheering and jeering are acceptable and even expected at sporting events, but sports wagering is an activity for adults, and adults should know better than to cross the line into harassment," said Jordan Maynard, Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chair.

The Commission also released a video featuring commissioners and members of the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New England Revolution urging fans not to harass athletes in connection with sports wagering.

Bet on Respect has support from Boston Legacy FC, the New England Patriots, and the NCAA, along with operators offering MA betting apps, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Bally Bet, Fanatics Betting and Gaming and Penn Entertainment (theScore Bet).

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What the Research Found

The NCAA has studied athlete harassment connected to sports wagering. Its research found that 51% of Division I men's basketball student athletes reported experiencing online abuse related to their athletic performance, while 46% said the abuse was directly tied to gambling.

The MGC said it is eager to build support for Bet on Respect and add more partners to the initiative.