The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has launched Bet on Respect, a new program designed to address harassment directed at athletes in connection with sports wagering. The initiative gives regulators a process to investigate reported abuse and restrict access to sports betting and casino facilities for individuals found responsible.
The Commission said the growth of legal sports wagering has coincided with increased reports of athletes receiving abusive messages and confrontations from bettors. Bet on Respect will rely on Massachusetts gaming regulations, including 205 CMR 152, to remove individuals who cross the line into harassment.
“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, in a press release. “Athletes, officials, and others associated with games being wagered on deserve to be free of intimidation during and surrounding competition. While this tool will be impactful, we hope its use will be limited as patrons will know right from wrong.”
New Portal Allows Harassment Reports
The MGC has created an online reporting portal where athletes, sports organizations, venues, college athletics programs, and other individuals can submit complaints involving suspected harassment.
Once a report is received, the Sports Wagering Division will review available details and evidence before referring cases to the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau. The bureau may continue investigating, determine that exclusion criteria have not been met, or begin the process of removing a bettor from regulated gambling activities.
Commissioner Eileen O’Brien emphasized that bettors are responsible for their behavior while participating in sports wagering.
“Today, we’re launching Bet on Respect. Whether you place a bet or not, adults should know better,” said MGC commissioner Eileen O’Brien. “Harass an athlete in Massachusetts, and you will lose access to sports wagering in the Commonwealth.”
People excluded through the program will also receive information about resources available for those experiencing gambling-related harm.
The MGC promoted the initiative through a video featuring members of Massachusetts sports organizations, including representatives from the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New England Revolution. The campaign encourages fans to maintain respectful conduct toward athletes involved in sporting events.
Gambling-Related Abuse Draws Industry Attention
The introduction of Bet on Respect follows concerns raised by athletes across multiple sports about hostile interactions from bettors.
NCAA research found that online abuse has affected a significant number of student-athletes. The organization reported that 51% of Division I men’s basketball student-athletes experienced online harassment connected to their athletic performance, while 46% of those athletes linked the abuse directly to gambling.
MGC Commissioner Brad Hill discussed the issue as part of the campaign’s launch.
“I’ve been attending sporting events in Boston for as long as I can remember, so it’s safe to say over the years I’ve seen it all,” said Hill. “Especially the harassment directed at the players. It’s gotten even worse since sports wagering became legal, so the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is doing something about it.”
Professional athletes have also described problems involving bettors. Baseball players have reported receiving aggressive messages after games, while golfers have raised concerns about disruptive behavior connected with wagering during competitions.
The MGC said Bet on Respect is intended to reinforce that sports wagering participants should treat athletes and other people involved in games with respect.
Teams And Operators Back Program
The initiative has received support from Massachusetts sports organizations, gambling operators, and industry groups. Partners include the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Legacy FC, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, the NCAA, Bally Bet, BetMGM/MGM Springfield, Caesars, DraftKings, Encore Boston Harbor, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, and Penn Entertainment/Plainridge Park Casino.
FanDuel said it supports the program and maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward abusive behavior. The operator also said it would continue working with regulators, leagues, and teams on measures addressing harassment.
BetMGM has previously updated its terms of service to allow suspension of bettors who harass athletes or others involved in sporting events.
Massachusetts joins other states that have introduced measures targeting abusive conduct linked to sports wagering. Louisiana passed legislation allowing exclusions for bettors who threaten people involved in sporting events, while West Virginia gives its lottery regulator authority to ban bettors who harass athletes, coaches, or officials.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission said it expects Bet on Respect to gain additional support from organizations involved in sports and wagering. The regulator continues to encourage bettors to view wagering as entertainment and avoid behavior that affects athletes, officials, and others connected with competitions.