The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has been committed to maintaining high standards of customer data security, a topic discussed at their recent remote public meeting. The regulatory body is currently considering implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for online sports betting accounts, an important aspect of responsible gaming policies and regulations.
MGC Chairman Jordan Maynard explained the reasons for considering stronger protection mechanisms: "If your bank account, debit card, and things like online sports betting accounts are linked, it's best to lock them down with MFA."
MGC Commissioner Eileen O'Brien also supported the suggestion. She explained that by implementing additional account security features, unauthorized gambling access can be reduced. For example, if minors use their parents' phone numbers, they must overcome additional security measures to access gambling content.
On the other hand, some committee members questioned the necessity of mandatorily introducing MFA and suggested that consumers should decide for themselves whether it is needed.
MGC Considers Two Possible MFA Models
If the state regulatory body deems it necessary, it will review two possible multi-factor authentication models. Sports betting account holders may be required to use MFA every time they log in or occasionally.
The first model requires bettors to use MFA every time they log in, a model also being considered by Ohio. The second model requires account holders to use MFA once every two weeks, a model already adopted by Iowa, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
At the last meeting, MGC had not yet made a decision. The gambling regulatory body explained that it would consult the state's licensed operators and ask for their opinions on additional security features.
These regulatory developments at MGC coincided with the participation of a key figure at their last meeting. Bruce Band, who has been the director of the sports betting division since January 2023, will step down.
MGC Chairman Jordan Maynard called him a "living legend," who has dedicated over a decade to the gaming commission. According to information provided by MGC, Mr. Band has extensive experience in casinos and related regulatory fields. Over the years, he has assisted in opening more than 20 casinos in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, MGC has taken another significant step in the field of responsible gaming. The regulatory body has established a new task force responsible for using artificial intelligence to identify problem gambling risks. Although the research process is still in its early stages, its findings could lead to sports betting operators in Massachusetts using artificial intelligence to analyze customer data and intervene when problematic gambling behavior is detected.
