Jordan Maynard, Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), has issued a stark warning regarding the rapid expansion of the U.S. gambling sector.
In a featured appearance on WCVB’s “On the Record,” Maynard argued that while Massachusetts leads in responsible gaming, the rise of unregulated prediction markets and aggressive digital advertising poses an existential threat to youth protection.
Leading the “Firsts” in Responsible Gaming
Maynard emphasized that Massachusetts remains the only U.S. jurisdiction with a full-time staff dedicated exclusively to research and responsible gaming. He highlighted several industry-leading “firsts,” including:
- Advertising Gating: Requiring age-limit labels on all physical and digital betting ads.
- Limit Transparency: Mandating that operators inform bettors of any applied limits within 48 hours, including the specific market justification.
- Deposit Controls: A state-record $450,000 fine against DraftKings helped drive the national decision to stop accepting credit card deposits.
The Prediction Market “Loophole”
Maynard’s most pointed concerns were directed at prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. Because these platforms operate under federal derivatives laws, they often allow users over 18, whereas regulated sportsbooks require players to be 21+.
“The legal market has robust technologies in place… [but] the illegal market and these prediction markets, they openly target people who are under 21.”
To combat this, the MGC has announced a new partnership with BetBlocker, allowing parents to block unregulated platforms on children’s devices. Maynard also called for federal intervention, arguing that national advertising guidelines are necessary to prevent the industry from becoming a “highway without speed limits.”
While the First Amendment prevents total bans, Maynard believes a unified federal framework is the only way to manage the “annoying” and ubiquitous volume of gambling advertising effectively.
