The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has announced that it will impose financial penalties of $150,000 on BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings.
Prohibited terms ‘free’ and ‘risk free’ were used in welcome offers
The fines are a result of alleged violations of state regulations with regards to responsible gambling messaging. According to the OCCC, all three sportsbook operators or their associated affiliate marketers promoted sports betting products and services through various platforms without the mandatory problem gambling helpline information clearly displayed.
The OCCC noted that all sports betting operators were warned to check their promotional materials and those of their affiliate marketers ahead of the industry launch. However, BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings had continued to violate the guidelines.
OCCC Executive Director Matt Schuler said in a statement:
“The sports gaming industry has received multiple reminders of the rules and standards for advertising and promotions, yet continues to disregard Ohio law. These repeated violations leave the Commission no choice but to pursue administrative action to bring operators into compliance. The Commission takes responsible gambling seriously – and expects the industry to value the same.”
The OCCC statement also noted that the three sports betting operators used the terms ‘free’ and ‘risk free’ in relation to their welcome bonuses. Ohio sports betting rules state that this is not permitted.
In addition to the fines, the OCCC will request each of the operators to ensure that all staff have undertaken compliance training.
The fines are now pending with each company allowed to request a hearing. The commission will vote upon any decision regarding a fine or an appeal at the next OCCC meeting.
This brings the total number of fines issued by the OCCC to five following earlier penalties handed out to DraftKings and Barstool Sports.
According to research by American casino guide USA-Casino.com, 2022 global casino-industry fines reached $264 million – up 443% compared to 2021.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.