New York’s Gaming Commission will review rules regarding online sports betting promotions and ads with new restrictions potentially in place by today.
According to a memo sent last week by Edmund Burns, general counsel for the New York State Gaming Commission, the commission is set to meet today to discuss the possibility of introducing stricter rules on sports betting advertising. The aim is to limit exposure to minors and those under the legal gambling age of 21.
The proposed new rules will prohibit New York sports betting companies from using cartoons in their ads while ads featuring “entertainers or music that appeal primarily to” a younger age group will also be banned. The rules also propose a complete ban on sports betting advertising in higher education environments such as college campuses and sports grounds. Ads could also be banned from any college media outlets.
In his memo, Burns noted:
“Elements of the proposal are derived from the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, which is a private trade association’s voluntary self-regulation code, and sports wagering advertising regulations from other states, such as Arizona, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Virginia.”
The proposed rules also look to push sports betting companies to take a more responsible to the promotion of gambling. This would include a ban on the use of certain terms such as “free,” “cost-free,” or “free of risk” in any promotions. This is similar to rules in place in Ohio where, earlier this year, the Ohio Casino Control Commission approved a fine of $250,000 for Barstool Sports following the promotion of its sportsbook at a college event.
In addition to a ban on these terms, sportsbooks would be required to make it clear what the “specific dollar amount” is that a customer would need to bet to qualify for a free bet or bonus. According to the rules this figure must appear in the same font and the same size as the offer itself.
Implementation of the rules will be the sports betting company’s responsibility. This includes all marketing and promotional materials used by affiliates of the brand.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.