Massachusetts sports betting operators willing to modify the data privacy rules

Data Privacy Regulations Laws & Regulations

MA Sportsbooks Call for Modification of Data Privacy Regulations

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 07 October 2023

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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According to reports, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) recently held a discussion to discuss potential modifications to the existing data privacy regulations that govern the sports betting sector. The discussion was attended by a number of sportsbook officials, and they voiced their concerns about the pace at which these regulatory changes were being implemented.

While operators generally expressed support for enhancing data privacy standards to protect customer information in the state, they raised objections regarding the commission’s eagerness to speed up the process.

Industry officials said that there was a shared commitment among operators to safeguard customer privacy and boost trust in their operations. However, they also said that the recent proposals in the state had been formulated too hastily.

Data Privacy Rules Approved Earlier This Year

The data privacy rules in question were initially approved in June, with a compliance deadline set for November 17. However, following the recent discussion, it appears that the five-month timeframe might not provide operators with enough leeway to ensure full compliance.

In response to these concerns, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has signaled its willingness to collaborate with industry operators to potentially extend the compliance deadline. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien said:

We put a lot of thought into this when we first voted on it. It may be that this regulation comes back in front of us multiple times.

The next step in the process will require operators to provide updated information and insights to the commission. This will enable a more informed and involved approach to be taken when addressing the challenges associated with data privacy regulations in the sports betting sector.

Meeting Attended by Key Figures from the Industry

The recent discussion lasted for around three hours, and it was arranged at the request of industry operators. It was attended by officials from big-name operators, such as BetMGM, Betr, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, Encore Boston Harbor, Fanatics, FanDuel, MGM Springfield, PENN Entertainment, and WynnBET. All of these operators have a significant presence in Massachusetts, either through in-person facilities or digital platforms.

The discussion also included several key figures from external organizations and government offices, including Jared Rinehimer from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Joe Bunevith and Mark Robertson of Gaming Laboratories Inc., and Michael Wohl, a psychology professor at Canada’s Carleton University who specializes in responsible gambling.

It is claimed that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission had previously sought input from industry stakeholders when creating its data privacy regulations earlier in the year. However, operators felt that their concerns were not adequately addressed by the commission during the process.

David Prestwood, who was representing BetMGM and FanDuel alongside DraftKings, provided a comprehensive overview of their compliance processes. He highlighted the potential challenges to sportsbooks posed by the proposed timelines and limitations.

Prestwood also referred to the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), which is considered the gold standard for data privacy regulations, and suggested that the Massachusetts regulations were unique, requiring operators to develop technology that was tailored specifically to meet the requirements of the state.