The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has imposed a $400,000 fine on bookmaker Encore Boston Harbor for offering bets on college sports. In violation of Massachusetts regulations, the bookmaker provided betting options for two Boston College women's basketball games in February, where betting on student competitions, excluding tournaments, is prohibited.
The commission emphasized the substantial fine due to the repeat offense and expressed dissatisfaction with Encore's failure to demonstrate effective control or coordination with its betting providers. The regulator expects higher standards from licensed operators.
This incident is a recurrence of a similar mistake made by Encore Boston Harbor a year ago. On February 21, 2023, the company informed the Gambling Commission about accepting bets on unauthorized events. The regulator initiated an investigation into the matter, which concluded in early March.
In the previous incident, the bookmaker allowed bets on Boston College's regular-season game against the University of North Carolina women's basketball team. Only three bets, totaling $163, were placed on the unauthorized competition, resulting in losses for two of them.
