Massachusetts Orders Cessation of Illegal Greyhound Betting in Dog Racing

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has issued a formal demand for North Dakota-licensed Lien Games Racing to cease its operations of greyhound betting on state residents. This enforcement action comes in direct response to the violation of state laws prohibiting dog racing.

Background on the Ban

Massachusetts residents have been prevented from betting on greyhound races since a public referendum outlawed such activities in 2008. Following the closure of its last racetrack in 2010, an additional ban on greyhound simulcast wagering was implemented in 2022, cementing the state’s stance against dog racing.

Allegations Against Lien Games Racing

Despite Massachusetts’ clear regulations, Lien Games, which operates several advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platforms, including offtrackbetting.com and racebetwin.com, continued to process bets from state residents. This prompted action from state officials after greyhound advocacy organizations, like GREY2K USA Worldwide, raised concerns about violations not just in Massachusetts but across several states.

Regulatory Response

The Massachusetts AG’s office emphasized that greyhound betting operations by Lien Games are illegal under state law. Other states, including New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Ohio, have also reported similar grievances against the North Dakota-based company.

Furthermore, recent discussions in Oregon highlighted a call for stricter enforcement of state laws against unlicensed gambling operations. Prominent figures in Oregon’s racing regulation voiced concerns over Lien Games’s compliance.

The Legal Landscape

While North Dakota serves as a licensing hub for ADWs, it does not conduct greyhound races itself. Companies like Lien Games assert that they operate legally because transactions occur within North Dakota. However, legal scholars maintain that Massachusetts laws take precedent, allowing enforcement against illegal betting activities.

North Dakota’s Response

Bruce Johnson, head of the North Dakota Racing Commission, expressed surprise at Massachusetts’ letter, asserting no prior warnings had been communicated. Lien Games has temporarily halted greyhound wagering for residents of Massachusetts and is cooperating with the AG’s office to resolve the situation.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict between state regulations and ADW operations sheds light on the complexities of gaming law. As states like Massachusetts and Oregon tighten their grip on illegal betting, the future of greyhound wagering remains uncertain, and operators will face increasing scrutiny.