Anti-Gambling Group Calls for Changes to Massachusetts Lottery Games
Online lottery games allegedly targeting children spark controversy in Massachusetts.
1Concerns of Anti-Gambling Organization
The national organization Stop Predatory Gambling sent a letter to Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg on August 17. The letter highlighted three online lottery games that could potentially attract children: 'The Claw', 'The Lamp', and 'Prize Chickens'. The group claims these games' colorful themes borrow heavily from entertainment elements appealing to children.
2Child-Oriented Designs
The Claw game mimics arcade claw machines, while The Lamp uses imagery reminiscent of the genie from Disney's Aladdin. Prize Chickens features cartoon animals in a bright farm setting. The group provided screenshots showing these designs alongside demo balances and gambling-style reels.
3Criticism of Free Play Feature
The organization also criticizes the lottery's 'free to play' feature, arguing that allowing visitors to try games without financial risk could encourage eventual real-money gambling. They claim users can receive $50 worth of 'play money' without age verification.
4Lack of Age Verification
Stop Predatory Gambling reported accessing the games on August 17 without encountering any age verification pop-ups. They demand demo games be placed behind age and location checks immediately, comparing the situation to Massachusetts AG Andrea Campbell's approach toward Meta.
5Previous Similar Case
Massachusetts regulators previously investigated alleged marketing to underage audiences. In February, BetMGM faced allegations of sending promotional emails to prohibited recipients through the MLB Ballpark app, leading to a formal adjudicatory hearing.
6BetMGM Case Details
Between April 10, 2024, and July 25, 2025, BetMGM sent 96,167 promotional emails. Investigation revealed 383 recipients were under 21, 19 were on voluntary exclusion lists, and 25 were in company cool-off periods. Birth dates couldn't be verified for 37,632 recipients.
7Officials' Reactions
Massachusetts Gaming Commission members described the situation as 'really disturbing' and 'particularly egregious'. Commissioner Bradford R. Hill stated, "Our goal is zero folks under 21 accessing a sports book in Massachusetts," emphasizing serious action against such incidents.
8Call for Protective Measures
Stop Predatory Gambling urges Goldberg to implement stronger safeguards on the lottery platform. Copies of their letter were also sent to Governor Maura Healey, AG Campbell, Senate President Karen Spilka, and House Speaker Ron Mariano. The group argues state-run gambling operations require strict scrutiny regarding youth exposure risks.
Original article: ReadWrite — Massachusetts'ta Kumar Oyunlarına Karşı Çağrı