Created as part of the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act, the GPAC advises the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) on gaming policy issues, including community mitigation funding, addiction services for compulsive gambling, and the public safety impacts associated with the state’s gaming establishments. The committee also assists the MGC with the development of its annual gaming research agenda.
Representative Vaughn was first appointed to the GPAC in April of 2023, shortly after the state authorized legal sports betting, including online sports betting. On March 20, the MGC reported that gross gaming revenue at the state’s three casinos – Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor – totaled approximately $93.40 million in February, while taxable sports wagering revenue, including mobile and online betting, totaled approximately $65.57 million.
“With the continued growth of the Commonwealth’s gaming and sports betting industry, it’s important that proper safeguards remain in place to protect consumers and assist those who are struggling with compulsive gambling,” said Representative Jones. “Marcus has done a terrific job over the last two years helping to advise the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on the many critical issues impacting the industry, and I am confident he will continue to play an active role on the Advisory Committee to ensure that proper oversight and regulations are in place.”
In addition to his work on the GPAC, Representative Vaughn is also a member of the Special Working Group on Youth Sports, which is exploring potential changes to the regulations governing youth sports in the Commonwealth, including improved player safety standards, concussion protocols, and limits on the maximum number of hours youth athletes can participate in each sport during a specified time period. The working group is expected to file a report with its recommendations later this year.
For the 2025-2026 legislative session, Representative Vaughn is serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. He also serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight, and the House Committee on Operations, Facilities and Security.
Representative Vaughn is currently serving his second term as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He represents the 9th Norfolk District, which consists of Precincts 3 and 4 in Medfield; Precinct 1in Millis; Precinct 5 in Walpole; and the towns of Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham.
