Ask Reggi Your Question Now

Reggi is the free generative AI assistance for regulatory compliance
Ask a Question

Can I offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Massachusetts? What are the requirements?

Yes, you can offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Massachusetts, subject to compliance with certain requirements.

Requirements for Offering Contests that Involve Both Skill and Chance

  1. No gameplay by minors: A DFSO shall not allow a Minor to participate in any DFS contest, whether or not a Prize is offered in that contest. [1.5]
  2. No DFS games based on amateur sporting events: DFSOs shall not permit entry in DFS contests that include amateur, college, high school or student sporting events. [1.5]
  3. Fairness of DFS contests: DFSOs must comply with the requirements for the fairness of DFS contests, including restrictions on employees and others affiliated with a DFSO playing on any DFS Contest Platform, disclosures required of DFSO promoters, no disclosure of proprietary information, no gameplay by athletes and others connected with DFS contest outcomes, beginner games, games that exclude highly-experienced players, on-boarding procedures for new players, prohibition of scripts, rules on when DFS contests lock, identification of highly-experienced players, restrictions on the number of entries by contest, and promptly, accurately and regularly updating the “fill rate” for any DFS contest. [1.1]
  4. Parental controls: DFSOs shall make available, prominently publish and facilitate parental control procedures to allow parents or guardians to exclude Minors from access to any DFS Contest Platform. [1.5]
  5. Approval from the Commission: No Sports Wagering tournament, contest, or pool shall be conducted unless the Sports Wagering Operator files a written request with the Commission to offer that type of tournament, contest, or pool, and the Commission grants the request. The request must provide a detailed description of the type of tournament, contest, or pool and must include the rules of the tournament, contest, or pool, the requirements for entry, the entry fees, the rake, and potential payouts. [2.1]

Conclusion

In summary, you can offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Massachusetts, subject to compliance with the requirements outlined above, including obtaining approval from the Commission.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Massachusetts