The thriving gambling sector in the U.S. resembles a “roadway lacking speed limits,” cautioned a leading state official, advocating for national measures to regulate promotional activities and enhance safeguards for those facing gambling issues.

Jordan Maynard, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, stated in an interview with The Guardian that although sports betting has surged across the nation, the absence of uniform federal regulations puts consumers at risk and makes it challenging for regulators to maintain oversight.

“When I reflect on the current state of the industry, I envision a highway without speed limits, vehicles lacking seatbelt signals,” remarked Maynard. “Regulators are the ones who implement those safety signals.”

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate a federal ban on sports betting in 2018, 37 states have approved the activity, igniting fierce competition among legitimate providers. However, Maynard cautioned that protective measures have not kept pace with the industry’s brisk advancement.

“Our goal is to ensure individuals are informed and trained to a specific standard before engaging; we must guarantee those who profit from this industry adhere to elevated standards,” he emphasized during the interview.

Maynard encouraged congressional representatives to contemplate standard regulations around gambling advertisements and to investigate a federal exclusion list that would prevent problem gamblers from placing bets throughout the nation.

At present, such regulations are managed at the state level and can easily be circumvented by crossing state borders.

Additionally, Maynard challenged the frequent resistance from the industry against regulation, which claims it could drive bettors towards unregulated or illicit platforms.

“I don’t appreciate the unregulated market being portrayed as a threat… I don’t want the legitimate market to deteriorate into the illegal market,” he expressed. “I wish for the illegal market to either not exist or, if it does, to be in fierce competition with regulated options.”

He referenced the installation of weapons detectors in Massachusetts casinos — an initiative initially resisted by operators — as an instance where increased precautions ultimately benefited patrons. “I believe the vast majority of visitors in Massachusetts would agree that this added measure is worth it to guarantee that no firearms enter the casino,” he asserted.

During Maynard’s leadership, encounters with the industry have been fraught. In 2024, ten gambling operators withdrew from a public discussion on betting limits at the last moment, opting for private meetings instead. “Transparency is essential for integrity,” Maynard stated then. “They were apprehensive about a public discussion.”

Nevertheless, he expressed his willingness to engage in cooperation. “I strive to build a partnership,” Maynard mentioned regarding his endeavors with the industry. “However, there is a [necessity for] regulation, and there exists a regulator.”

He also highlighted the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in gambling and suggested using it to promote responsible gambling practices. “If operators utilize technology to target bettors, that same technology can be harnessed to encourage healthy behaviors,” he remarked.

As the issue of underage gambling grows, particularly on college campuses, Maynard indicated that enhanced public education is necessary — ideally in collaboration with leagues and key industry figures.

“No young individual wants to listen to me lecture about the reasons not to gamble,” he acknowledged. “However, when operators, athletes, and leagues step in, I believe — and we are beginning to observe this — that’s when we can note some transformation.”

In spite of the obstacles, Maynard affirmed his dedication to balancing consumer protection with industry oversight.

“There are moments I ponder whether anyone pays attention to our efforts,” he confessed. “Regulators universally lack respect… [yet] when I retire for the night, I can sleep soundly.”