Amidst March Madness and Mobile Betting Launch, Massachusetts Unveils New Voluntary Self-Exclusion Option for Sports Fans
Sports Wagering Voluntary Self-Exclusion offers new option within state responsible gambling program as nearly one in 5 Americans are betting on sports
Option available for individuals to self-exclude today
Massachusetts — Bay State sports fans now have a new way to call timeout on their gambling during March Madness and beyond. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has designed and implemented a new program in close partnership with The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (MACGH) to help struggling sports bettors.
The program, Sports Wagering Voluntary Self-Exclusion (Sports Wagering VSE), which is administered by the MGC< is among the first of its kind in the country. Individuals can self-select from a one-year, three-year, five-year, or lifetime game break from sports betting. Enrollees are prohibited from entering or placing a bet on sporting events at any of the state’s casinos, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, and licensed online platforms. They are also removed from industry promotional and marketing lists. Some operators have extended play restrictions to all out-of-state locations.
“The Mass. Council’s unwavering commitment and expertise in helping persons harming by gambling make them a natural fit as we roll out the Sports Wagering VSE program,” said Mark Vander Linden, MGC Director of Research and Responsible Gaming.
With the legalization of sports betting this January, Sports Wagering VSE serves as the next natural expansion in the state’s responsible gambling efforts. Over 1,300 across the Commonwealth are actively enrolled in Voluntary Self-Exclusion, which focuses on supporting those looking to temporarily or permanently halt casino gambling. Like VSE, GameSense Advisors guide patrons through remote or in-person enrollment.
The rollout’s timing is intentional – on the heels of both Massachusetts mobile sports betting kicking off and during the year’s biggest NCAA event. MACGH encourages fans having difficulties setting limits and those already enrolled in VSE to sign up today.
“Perhaps you previously excluded yourself from the casino floor and wish to extend your enrollment to include sports wagering. Or maybe you’re just looking for a timeout,” explains MACGH CEO Marlene Warner. “Sports Wagering Voluntary Self-Exclusion is a first step for many to help themselves regain control and stay healthy.”
Sports Wagering Voluntary Self-Exclusion enrollment is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Information is never released to employers, family members, or friends. To speak with a GameSense professional, call 1-800-GAM-1234 or connect via secure LiveChat at MACGH.org.
