Massachusetts Gaming Commission Launches Bet on Respect to Stop Athlete Harassment

Massachusetts Gaming Commission Launches Bet on Respect to Stop Athlete Harassment
Calli Varner Profile Picture

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.

Must be 21+ and physically present in MA. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add'l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Void where prohibited. See http://Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®.
 MA PG Hotline LogoHope is here. Call (800) 327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org
Gamesense Logo Play it smart from the start! Live Chat @ http://GameSenseMA.com

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).

21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).(V
\"Hope is here. Call (800) 327-5050 or > \"Gamesense Play it smart from the start! Live Chat @ http://GameSenseMA.com

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.

quote

Author

Calli Varner

Calli is lifelong resident of Arizona and has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.

Cited by leading media organizations, such as: