He says that letting each state set its own laws has led to gaps in consumer protection and makes it hard to enforce fair play across state lines.
Maynard joined the MGC in August 2022, just as sports betting became legal in Massachusetts, and was named permanent chair in late 2023. In an interview, he explained that his top goal is to make gambling safe and clear for everyone. He wants players to know their rights, follow simple rules, and trust that regulators will act if operators do not.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, nearly forty states have approved some form of legal wagering. The rapid growth means new concerns have emerged, especially around problem gambling and honest advertising. Maynard believes a federal framework could fill in the missing pieces and give all players the same protections no matter where they live.
Why a National Approach?
Maynard compares the current system to a highway without speed limits. Each state has its own limits, signs, and patrols. Drivers can cruise in one state, then cross the border to avoid rules they do not like.
In gambling, this means some operators can send heavy promotions or target ads in states with looser limits, while other states ban those tactics entirely. Gamblers can get mixed messages and may not know which rules apply.
One serious gap is the self-exclusion list. This is a tool that allows someone who feels they might have a gambling problem to ban themselves from all licensed gambling sites in their state. But because lists are state-based, someone who blocks themselves in Massachusetts could still place bets in a state with a separate list. A national exclusion list would close that loop and better protect people at risk.
Advances in technology, like artificial intelligence, also bring new questions. AI can help operators find high-value bettors and push them to play more. But the same tools could be used to spot warning signs of problem gambling and offer help. Maynard argues that federal rules could require operators to use technology not only to boost profits but also to protect players.
A national approach would also make it easier for regulators to share data, track suspicious behavior, and coordinate enforcement. When cases cross state lines, investigators now face different reporting requirements, slowing down the process. Uniform rules would speed up investigations and help catch bad actors before harm spreads.
Next Steps for Federal Oversight
Massachusetts has seen strong growth in its MA sports betting market. In April 2025, total bets placed grew by more than 25 percent compared to the previous month, while revenue rose by over 30 percent year over year. As billions of dollars flow through the system, clear and consistent rules become more important.
At the same time, state lawmakers are weighing bills to legalize online casinos in Massachusetts. These proposals would create an Internet Gaming Fund to collect fees and fund state programs. But without a national framework, online operators could still face wildly different rules in each state, making compliance complex and costly.
Maynard wants Congress to start a federal conversation on setting national limits for advertising, creating a unified exclusion list, and ensuring that all operators follow the same basic rules. He stresses that oversight is not about banning gambling or punishing companies, but about giving everyone clear guidelines and help if they need it.
Some industry groups worry that more federal rules could push bettors toward unregulated illegal sites. Maynard disagrees. He says that strong, transparent rules will shore up the legal market, making it more attractive and safer for players, and will leave less room for illegal operators to undercut the system.
He likens federal oversight to car safety standards. Car makers do not wait for drivers to buckle up on their own. Regulators set seatbelt laws, speed limits, and crash-test rules to protect everyone on the road. In the same way, federal gambling rules would set “speed limits and seatbelts” for the industry, balancing opportunity with safety.
With the U.S. gambling market still expanding, Maynard believes now is the time for federal action. A clear national standard could protect consumers, support responsible operators, and help ensure the industry grows in a safe and fair way for everyone.
