Ohio Regulatory Body Advocates for Enhanced Responsible Betting Advertising Standards
Ohio Cracks Down on Underage Gambling and Advertising Ahead of Sports Betting Launch
As Ohio prepares for the launch of legal sports betting this weekend, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is emphasizing the importance of responsible gambling measures. In a memo sent to gaming stakeholders last week, the OCCC outlined several concerns, particularly in relation to underage gambling and advertising.
The OCCC's notice of violation to PENN Entertainment/Barstool Sportsbook stemmed from the Barstool College Football Show's visit to Toledo in November, where underage advertising was found to have occurred. As a result, PENN was fined $250,000 for this violation. The company can still appeal the potential fine.
Similarly, DraftKings was also issued a notice of violation for advertising to individuals under the age of 21.
The OCCC has highlighted three tenets that were broken in these cases: all advertisements must contain a responsible gambling message, all RG messages must be conspicuous, and advertisements can't target individuals under the age of 21. The helpline number in advertisements should be at least nearly as clear, legible, and audible as the advertisement itself.
The OCCC is stressing the importance of directing those in need to proper resources, like responsible gambling hotlines. One such effort is Pause Before You Play, a responsible gambling campaign and community toolkit.
With over 16 mobile operators expected to launch in Ohio on Jan. 1, regulators want to ensure that responsible gambling provisions aren't skirted. Casinos, professional sports arenas, and hundreds of smaller establishments like bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, and grocery stores are expected to have retail sportsbooks in Ohio.
The OCCC is concerned about problem gambling issues growing in Ohio due to widespread access to legal sports betting. In other states that preceded Ohio in legalizing sports betting, higher interest and more struggles with problem gambling have been observed.
Ohio has legalized sports betting, leading problem gambling groups to redouble their prevention efforts. The OCCC's letter asked stakeholders to immediately review responsible gambling messaging used in advertisements to reduce shortcomings in the future. Amanda Blackford, the OCCC's director of operations and problem gambling services, mentioned concerns about widespread wagering.
The OCCC requires sports betting operators to implement responsible gambling measures specifically to prevent underage gambling and underage advertising issues. Some key responsible gambling practices expected or associated with OCCC’s framework include preventing underage gambling through rigorous age verification processes, advertising restrictions focusing on preventing promotion to minors or underage audiences, and responsible gambling tools such as limit setting, self-exclusion programs, and opt-out mechanisms for players showing signs of problem gambling.
These requirements align broadly with Ohio’s commitment to prevent problem gambling and underage participation as part of its regulatory framework. The OCCC is actively working to safeguard sports wagering integrity and may enhance regulatory measures around advertising to address exposure risks to underage or vulnerable groups.
- The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has stressed the necessity of responsible gambling measures as sports betting is set to launch in Ohio this weekend.
- The OCCC has fined PENN Entertainment/Barstool Sportsbook $250,000 for underage advertising, a violation discovered during the Barstool College Football Show's visit to Toledo in November.
- DraftKings was also issued a notice of violation for advertising to individuals under the age of 21.
- The OCCC expects sports betting operators to implement responsible gambling measures, including preventing underage gambling through age verification processes, restricting advertising to avoid promotion to minors, and providing responsible gambling tools like limit setting and self-exclusion programs.
