Massachusetts issues consumer advisory ahead of World Cup
Authorities are encouraging people not to use illegal online gaming operators.
US.- The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO), the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), and the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission (MSLC) have issued a Consumer Advisory ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Massachusetts. Officials are encouraging the public to be cautious of illegal gaming websites and apps that may operate without consumer protections required under state law.
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said: “Massachusetts residents and the public should know that illegal gaming platforms can expose them to serious risks, including fraud, identity theft, financial exploitation, and unpaid winnings. As excitement builds ahead of the World Cup, we want the public to have the information they need to identify legal gaming options if they choose to play, protect their personal information, and avoid bad actors looking to capitalise on this major event.”
Massachusetts Gaming Commission chair Jordan Maynard added: “Illegal gaming operators and prediction markets are illegally offering sports wagering without a licence and targeting the most vulnerable, including those under 21. The Commission has licensed three retail and seven online sportsbooks to provide a robust legal marketplace for those who choose to wager. Look for the Commission’s seal of approval to know you’re betting with a legal operator.”
Executive director of the Massachusetts State Lottery Mark William Bracken commented: “We’re excited to welcome so many visitors to Massachusetts this summer for the World Cup and we want to ensure the fun they are having is safe, secure, and legal. With the support of the Attorney General’s Office, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and our other partners in responsible gaming, we are committed to protecting the well-being of our players by providing resources as well as gaming options for adults that are securely operated.”
Responsible gaming programme
In March, the MGC announced the launch of PlayWell, a new responsible gaming and player health programme to replace its GameSense initiative. The regulator said new branding will appear at casinos and on sports betting platforms.
The new initiative is administered by the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health. It includes resources such as 101 guides detailing the rules of games, advisors and the existing voluntary self-exclusion programme.
