The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of online gaming and artificial intelligence on the state’s gambling industry. The study comes as the commission prepares to regulate online gambling and sports betting in the state, following the Supreme Court’s decision to lift the federal ban on sports betting in 2018.
The announcement was made by MGC Chairman Stephen Crosby during a press conference held at the commission’s offices in Boston. “As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it is important for us to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that we are adequately equipped to regulate new forms of gaming such as online gambling and sports betting,” Crosby said.
The study will be conducted in collaboration with leading experts in the fields of online gaming and artificial intelligence, and will focus on a variety of key areas including consumer protection, responsible gaming, data privacy, and the potential impact of AI on gaming outcomes. The results of the study will be used to inform the commission’s regulatory framework for online gambling and sports betting in Massachusetts.
“We are committed to ensuring that any expansion of gaming in the state is done in a responsible and sustainable manner,” Crosby added. “This study will provide us with valuable insights into how online gaming and AI are shaping the industry, and will help us develop effective regulatory measures to protect consumers and promote responsible gaming practices.”
The study is expected to be completed within the next six months, with the commission planning to hold public hearings and stakeholder meetings to gather input from industry experts, lawmakers, and the general public. The commission will also be working closely with other state agencies, including the Department of Public Health and the Attorney General’s Office, to ensure that all aspects of the study are thoroughly examined.
The announcement of the study has been met with a positive response from industry stakeholders, who believe that it will help to create a safe and regulated online gaming environment in Massachusetts. “This study is a step in the right direction towards ensuring that online gaming is conducted in a responsible and transparent manner,” said John Pappas, CEO of the iDEA Growth trade association.
Overall, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s decision to conduct a study on online gaming and AI is a significant development that highlights the state’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving gaming industry. As Massachusetts prepares to join other states in legalizing online gambling and sports betting, the results of this study will be crucial in shaping the state’s regulatory framework and ensuring that consumers are protected and gaming operators operate in a responsible and ethical manner.
