Cathy Judd-Stein, Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and Mark Vander Linden, the MGC’s Director of Research and Responsible Gaming, were featured guests during the International Association of Gaming Advisors 2022 Summit held in Boston from Monday, June 27 through Wednesday, June 29.

On early Monday, Chair Judd-Stein opened the summit with an introduction of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, who offered welcoming remarks to gaming advisors via a recorded message that touched on potential sports betting in the Commonwealth, the benefits of casino gambling and its tax revenue in Massachusetts, safe and responsible gaming, and the governor’s love of all things Boston sports.

“I’m excited this summit is being held in Boston so we can show off our city and so much of our local talent,” Chair Judd-Stein said in her opening remarks.

“From my colleagues at the MGC and leaders like [tomorrow’s keynote speaker] Amy Latimer, who runs one of the largest sporting and entertainment venues in the Commonwealth, to Governor Charlie Baker. [Governor Baker] is a dynamic leader, and he and his administration have supported the MGC in efforts to ensure that the casino industry in the Commonwealth focuses on providing a fair, safe, and fun gaming product to Massachusetts residents and visitors.”

MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein introduces Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker ahead of the 2022 IAGA Summit in Boston. (Tom Mills/MGC)

Later in the week, Chair Judd-Stein joined a panel of regulators from across the United States and Canada to discuss how each of their jurisdictions are confronting various issues. The regulators spoke on topics that emerged as themes throughout the week: the expanding legalized sports wagering market, new technology such as AI and cryptocurrency, and responsible gaming.

On the final day of the summit, the MGC’s Director of Research and Responsible Gaming, Mark Vander Linden, sat on a panel dedicated to responsible gaming and how the gaming industry can work together to elevate responsible gaming offerings.

MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein speaks at the 2022 IAGA Summit’s Regulator Roundtable on Balancing Regulation with Constant Change. (Tom Mills/MGC)

Vander Linden talked specifically about Massachusetts and noted that the support of the legislature, collaboration with the Department of Public Health, and the partnership of the gaming operators in the Commonwealth help maintain a focus on responsible gaming in the state. He noted how having GameSense advisors available at every casino in Massachusetts, as well as online and on the phone, coupled with innovative programs like PlayMyWay help promote responsible gaming in the state.

“Player choice is essential – we need to be offering a menu of options so people get the help they need,” Director Vander Linden said.

The MGC’s Director of Research and Responsible Gaming, Mark Vander Linden, speaks on a panel dedicated to responsible gaming during the IAGA 2022 Summit in Boston.

Throughout the remainder of the summer, MGC officials will be joining industry conferences to share their expertise with fellow regulators, gaming operators, and policymakers.

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