Sports betting kiosks are still only permitted within the three casinos in Massachusetts, but gaming authorities say an upcoming study will help assess whether or not permitting the self-service betting terminals to be put elsewhere would be in the public's best interest. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) said last week that it had hired a gaming consulting firm to conduct an analysis on the viability and potential effects of enabling retail outlets in the commonwealth to run sports betting kiosks. The kiosks, according to supporters, would offer greater convenience. The machines, according to critics, would encourage greater problem gambling.