iLottery raises concerns for problem gamblers in Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Now that Governor Maura Healey signed legislation allowing the online sale of lottery tickets in Massachusetts, former gamblers are sharing their concerns with our newsroom.

Antonio Basile told us a problem gambler with access to the lottery and other betting apps on their phone is like an alcoholic having a liquor store in their home, except the signs of a gambling addict are much harder to see, and that’s why he questions the decision to legalize the i-Lottery in the Bay State.

“As somebody who self admittedly has a problem gambling over the last decade plus with the legalization of sports betting and the now i-Lottery coming into place, it just feels like it’s more at people’s fingers than it ever was before,” Basile said.

Antonio Basile lives in Chicopee and he is questioning the new law allowing the Massachusetts State Lottery to sell tickets online. Although the “iLottery” hasn’t been rolled out yet, he already sent an editorial full of concerns to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and is working to reach the state treasurer for answers.

“I understand how you win please tell me how we win,” he asked.

Basile is asking local leaders to take a look at the facts when it comes to gambling addiction.

“The casino is going to be right here,” he said, holding up his phone. “And that’s the scary part is you can be home on a Saturday afternoon just put money into an account and dwindle, dwindle, dwindle by hitting a button multiple times.”

Legalizing online lottery sales comes just over a year after the launch of mobile sports betting in the state for those 21 years and older.

Basile fears the next generation are the ones who will ultimately suffer as they reach adulthood.

“Kids with video games and all these, you know, packs you buy or whatever, it’s almost like they’re preparing for gambling at such a young age with the industry blowing up so fast

He also believes we need to spread more awareness about what responsible gambling really is.

He says calling 800 numbers for help isn’t cutting it with the younger generations.

“I think that it’s such an archaic way of trying to [help]. It’s putting a band-aid on something. People don’t call or write letters anymore,” he said.

However, Basile shared ways he has been able to cope with his own problem gambling.

“I watch people on YouTube, for example who have the same issue that I’m battling to listen to them. What advice do they have just for the modern generation, a new way to communicate?”

We did reach out to the state’s responsible gambling program “GameSense” for a response, however, they told us since the legalization of the online lottery is still so new they are unable to comment at this time.

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