Massachusetts Regulator Opts to Bet on Respect
David Genge Published 07/09/2026
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is moving aggressively to put a halt to angry bettors who threaten and harass athletes. Bet On Respect is a program established by the MGC. The objective of the program is to ban patrons who harass athletes from placing wagers with licensed sports wagering operators and from accessing casino properties in Massachusetts.
Representatives of leagues, players’ associations, college athletics programs, sports venues, and players themselves can report suspected abuse to the MGC for investigation. Following the investigation, the outcome could lead to the banning of the violator from all Massachusetts gambling platforms.
Athletes complain about ongoing harassment from disgruntled bettors
Athletes are more frequently reporting of receiving harassing messages from bettors following a failed wager involving them or their team.
"The messages players get after a tough loss go beyond trash talk," New England Revolution MLS player Griffin Yow said. "We know a loss it part of sports. So if you can't handle a loss, don't bet on sports.
The people who regulate sports betting in Massachusetts recognize that this is a growing issue. And they are seeking to put a stop to it.
“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,” MGC Commissioner Brad Hill said in a video promoting the new Massachusetts Bet On Respect rule. “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.”
How the Bet On Respect program will work in Massachusetts
The Bet On Respect program is initiated when an incident is reported to the MGC by email at ReportAthleteHarassment@massgaming.gov or by submitting an incident through the Athlete Harassment Submission Portal. Incidents can be reported by anyone.
Once an incident report is received, the Sports Wagering Division of the MGC will collect all information and evidence provided to create a detailed report. This will include working with sports wagering operators to identify the perpetrator in instances of online harassment. The report will then be submitted to the MGC Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) for the next steps.
The IEB reviews the report and included evidence to determine if the incident(s) meet the criteria outlined in 205 CMR 152.03 for exclusion.
What happens when a player is placed on the exclusion list?
After reviewing the evidence, the IEB can follow one of three courses of action. They can take further investigatory action, including using subpoena power to gather additional evidence and/or identify the perpetrator. It could also be determined that the incident does not meet the criteria for exclusion. Or, it could be determined that the incident does meet the criteria for exclusion. At that point, the exclusion process will begin.
Patrons placed on the exclusion list will receive a letter via first-class mail notifying them of the decision. The patron has 30 days to appeal the decision. Once the 30 days have passed or a determination on an appeal has been made, the patron will be placed on the exclusion list.
This list is provided to sports wagering operators and casino properties in Massachusetts and takes immediate effect.
"Athletes, officials, and others associated with games being wagered on deserve to be free of intimidation during and surrounding competition," MGC Chair Jordan Maynard said in a statement. "While this tool will be impactful, we hope its use will be limited as patrons will know right from wrong.”
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