Massachusetts gaming authorities have revealed that sportsbooks within the state are placing restrictions on betting limits for players who consistently win, while simultaneously providing greater limits and VIP rewards to those who lose. This has sparked concerns regarding fairness and the transparency of consumer practices.
According to data shared with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), only a minor fraction of active player accounts experienced decreased limits based on their betting performance. Officials noted that these players do not receive notifications or explanations when their limits are adjusted.
“Our analysis has shown that players who frequently outperform the closing line tend to have their stake limits reduced, while those who fail to do so are more inclined to see their limits increased,” stated Carrie Torrisi, who leads the Sports Wagering Division of the commission, as reported by the Boston Herald.
Some restricted accounts faced limits reduced to as low as 90% or 75% of their standard allowance, with approximately 12% of those affected limited to only 1% of the maximum wager permitted by the operator.
Commission Chair Jordan Maynard highlighted that these findings support complaints that were filed last year by bettors who believed they were being secretly limited.
“Customers utilizing the legal betting market often encounter restrictions for valid reasons, but those impacted receive little to no rationale or notification,” Maynard remarked. “Limiting the bets of successful gamblers might push them back toward illicit betting options.”
“This issue centers around fairness,” he added, emphasizing the need for increased human oversight over the automated systems used to impose restrictions by sportsbooks.
Dustin Gouker from Closing Line Consulting, who analyzed the data for the commission, commented that “many affected users simply seek clarity on the reasons behind their account’s limitations.”
Commissioner Brad Hill expressed a preference for operators to be mandated to inform players when their betting limits are enforced.
Although the commission did not take immediate regulatory measures, it agreed to consider implementing formal disclosure requirements for operators. Officials cautioned that stricter regulations might compel sportsbooks to reduce promotional offerings, increase the vig, or shift focus to different markets.