America’s Betting Frenzy Faces Reckoning Over Regulation Gaps
By Space Coast Daily // June 22, 2025
The rapid expansion of the legal gambling industry in the United States has ignited calls for tighter regulation, with one of the nation’s most prominent gaming officials warning that the sector resembles “a highway without speed limits.” Jordan Maynard, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, believes the U.S. gambling industry is growing too fast for current oversight systems to keep up. In a recent interview, Maynard emphasized the urgent need for federal rules—particularly in areas like advertising and player exclusion lists—to ensure the burgeoning market doesn’t spiral into chaos or social harm.
Since the Supreme Court cleared the way in 2018, sports betting has gone from a niche hobby to a multibillion-dollar juggernaut, pulling in users through aggressive marketing and easy-to-access platforms. Eye-catching ads plaster TV screens, social media feeds, and sports arenas, often touting offers like USA no deposit bonuses that promise a chance to win without spending a dime. On the surface, it looks like a win-win. But dig a little deeper, and cracks start to show.
Regulators and watchdogs are growing increasingly uneasy, especially as gambling firms barrel ahead with minimal oversight. Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chair Cathy Judd-Stein recently likened the current situation to a highway with no speed limits, cars flying in every direction, each operator racing to claim more territory without slowing down for rules or responsibility. From data privacy to youth exposure and addiction risk, concerns are mounting fast. And while the profits soar, questions about accountability are beginning to demand real answers.
Calls for Federal Standards
While each state currently sets its own gambling laws, Maynard argues the time is ripe for national coordination. A key example is the concept of a federal exclusion list, which would block problem gamblers from placing bets across state lines. Currently, such self-exclusion tools are state-based and easily bypassed. As it stands, Maynard highlighted that someone suffering from a gambling addiction would just need to drive across the state border to circumvent self-exclusion protocols, which is just one example of a loophole that needed to be addressed.
He also cited concerns over the volume and tone of gambling advertisements, many of which target younger audiences. While some industry players have supported initiatives to curb underage betting, Maynard believes real change will only come with enforceable federal standards.
Industry Resistance and Tension
Despite the growing risks, legal gambling operators have pushed back on calls for greater oversight. In some instances, firms have declined to participate in public regulatory forums. In 2023, ten gambling companies operating in Massachusetts collectively skipped a public roundtable on betting limits, instead requesting private meetings. Maynard, undeterred, remains vocal about the need for transparency.
The Role of Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to optimize user engagement on betting platforms. But Maynard sees a missed opportunity. He says that if AI can be used to target bettors, it can also be used to promote responsible gambling. He believes regulators must step in to guide ethical tech use in the industry.
Protecting Young Players and the Public
Another notable concern raised was the rise in underage betting, especially on college campuses and high schools. While the legal betting age in Massachusetts is 21, enforcement of this age requirement remains a challenge. Maynard supports industry-led ad campaigns targeting youth but stresses the need for broader cultural change, including involvement from sports leagues and athletes.
Future Prospects: The Need for Guardrails
In short, it appears that regulators like Maynard are navigating uncharted territory at the moment, striking a balance between economic opportunity and public safety. While the friction from gambling operators is somewhat understandable, it is clear that the situation needs to be closely monitored and that action must be balanced. With that said, without some form of adequate regulation, the risks for vulnerable groups are unprecedented.
