BOSTON – The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (Commission) is launching a public awareness campaign aimed at informing the public about the variety of legal gambling options available and warning of the dangers of patronizing illegal gambling sites.

Safer Bets Start Here is an awareness campaign launched by the Commission intended to inform Massachusetts residents about legal, regulated gaming and caution about the dangers of putting their money on an unregulated, often illegal platform. The campaign also continues to introduce the public to PlayWell, the Commission’s new responsible gaming and player health program.

“The Massachusetts Gaming Commission requires legal operators to prioritize consumer protections and responsible gaming, employ technology that prevents underage access, and ensure data and funds are secured. Illegal operators put your data and funds at greater risk. This awareness campaign is intended to inform Massachusetts residents about the legal options to wager if they choose to gamble,” said Commissioner Eileen O’Brien.

“Gambling inherently involves risk, but if you choose to bet, using a regulated operator can reduce that risk by ensuring your money is secure and your bet is backed up by the Commission’s regulatory structure. You can also learn more about safer gambling by visiting a PlayWell Hub or the PlayWell website,” added Commissioner Nakisha Skinner.

Launched in March 2026, PlayWell is a resource for all patrons to stay informed, aware, and in control of their gambling. Designed to meet patrons where they are, PlayWell is available in person at each of the three casinos across the Commonwealth, online at PlayWell.org, or over the phone. PlayWell advisors are trained responsible gaming professionals who can help patrons understand the rules and odds of the games they may wager on, provide help setting a budget through PlayMyWay, sign up for the voluntary self-exclusion program, or direct those in need of clinical supports to those resources.

The Safer Bets Start Here campaign will run on various platforms to coincide with the FIFA World Cup.

Massachusetts launched legal sports wagering at casinos and online through regulated operators in early 2023, providing a robust market of legal gaming options in the state. Nevertheless, illegal gambling operators continue to masquerade as permissible, and the rise in prediction markets has included illegal sports wagers offered and marketed to those under 21 years of age.

A list of three retail and seven online legal operators can be found by visiting MassGaming.com, and patrons should also look for the Commission’s seal of approval, which every legal online operator must display on their platform.

The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General (AGO) recently released a Consumer Advisory on legal state-licensed gaming. The advisory details the types of gaming that are legal or soon to be legal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These include casino gaming, horse racing, and sports wagering all regulated by the Commission, fantasy contests regulated by the AGO, and lottery products such as retail lottery and soon-to-launch iLottery, both regulated by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.