In its public meeting on Thursday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission discussed the possibility of making multi-factor authentication a requirement for online sports betting accounts.
MGC Chair Jordan Maynard argued that implementing MFA would increase security for users and their data.
“If you have your bank account, your debit card tied up to something like an online sports betting account, it’s good to lock it up with MFA,” Maynard told Sports Betting Dime.
Commissioner Eileen O’Brien agreed with Maynard, adding that an MFA log-in requirement could support responsible gaming by preventing underage gamblers from accessing a verified account that doesn’t belong to them. However, Commissioner Brad Hill argued that the option is there if people want it and was less inclined to mandate its use.
The MGC did not reach a conclusion during the meeting but plans to discuss implementing the change with licensed sports betting operators in the state.
If the MGC decides to proceed with the mandate, it will likely choose between two different MFA models. For instance, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Iowa only require MFA once every two weeks per device, while Ohio is considering a rule requiring MFA on every login.
