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Can I offer contests that involve mobile apps in Massachusetts? What are the requirements?

Based on the provided context documents, it appears that you can offer contests that involve mobile apps in Massachusetts, but there are certain requirements that you need to comply with.

Requirements for Offering Contests that Involve Mobile Apps in Massachusetts

  1. If you are planning to offer sports wagering contests through mobile apps, you will need to obtain a Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3 Sports Wagering License from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission [4.1]. The application process involves submitting various forms and providing information related to the applicant’s background, experience, economic impact, diversity and inclusion measures, responsible gaming measures, technology, and suitability [4.1].
  2. If you are planning to offer Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests through mobile apps, the regulations require that DFS operators ensure fairness of contests by implementing various restrictions. For example, DFS operators must not allow employees, contractors, or other affiliated individuals to play on any DFS contest platform, except in private contests where their affiliation is fully disclosed to each player [1.1]. DFS operators must also develop games that are limited to beginners and keep non-beginner players from participating, either directly or through another person as a proxy, in those games [1.1]. Additionally, DFS operators must not permit unauthorized scripts to be used on DFS contest platforms and must use commercially reasonable efforts to monitor for and prevent use of such scripts [1.1]. DFSOs shall not permit entry in DFS contests that include amateur, college, high school or student sporting events [1.5]. 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].
  3. If you are planning to offer contests that involve mobile apps, you must comply with the restrictions on advertising to minors or at schools or school sporting events [1.3]. DFSOs shall not advertise in publications or other media in Massachusetts that are aimed exclusively or primarily at Minors [1.3]. DFSOs shall not advertise or run promotional activities at elementary or secondary schools or on college campuses in Massachusetts [1.3]. DFSOs shall not run promotional activities in Massachusetts for games based on amateur, college, high school or student sporting events [1.3].

Therefore, if you are planning to offer contests that involve mobile apps in Massachusetts, you will need to ensure that your contests comply with the regulations mentioned above.

Note that if you are planning to offer DFS contests, you may also need to comply with additional requirements, such as gameplay by minors and prohibition of games based on student sporting events [1.5].

If you are unsure about any of the requirements or need further clarification, it is recommended that you consult with a legal professional.

[1.1]: 940 CMR 34.12 [1.3]: 940 CMR 34.08 [1.5]: 940 CMR 34.04 [4.1]: 205 CMR 119.00

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Massachusetts