Several Sportsbooks Could Be Fined Laws & Regulations

Big-Name Sportsbooks Face Advertising Fines in Ohio

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 18 January 2023

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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It has only been a matter of days since sports betting in Ohio launched, with many fans flocking to place their bets with one of the several licensed sportsbooks to go live. However, despite the short space of time, there are already a number of big-name sportsbook operators that are facing fines from authorities over sports betting ads in the state.

Among those that could be facing fines from the Ohio Casino Control Commission are BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings, all of which are accused of breaking advertising rules relating to sports betting. The Ohio Casino Control Commission will be taking action against the three major operators which are accused of failing to highlight the issues of problem gambling and advertising risk-free and free bets.

Huge Penalties Could Be Imposed

It is reported that the three operators in question could face hefty fines of $150,000 if found to have breached the advertising rules.

They will also have a right to a hearing with the Commission relating to marketing and responsible gaming concerns. It was further revealed that the parent companies of two of the operators had already been given violation notices by officials prior to the launch at the start of this year.

PlayUSA reports:

According to the OCCC, sports betting promotions and advertisements must have a clear message intended to prevent problem gambling. They should also include a phone number of relevant resources that people can call should they need help.

According to the commission’s executive director, Matt Schuler, sportsbook operators had received repeated reminders relating to the regulations and strict rules surrounding sports betting advertising and promotions. Despite this, he said that a number of operators had continued to flout the laws and regulations, which left the commission with little choice but to take administrative action against the operators in question.

Stringent Rules in Place

As with other states that have launched sports betting over recent years, Ohio could find that there is an increased issue relating to problem gambling as a result of easier access to sports betting. This is something that is always raised by anti-gambling campaigners, and organizations in Ohio have already launched campaigns to reduce the risk of these issues.

The strict regulations around sports betting advertising and Ohio sports betting promotions are seen as yet another way to reduce the risk of problem gambling, which is why operators that disregard the rules find themselves under fire from the authorities.

Many have expressed concerns that offering access to mobile betting can spawn these types of issues, and there are further concerns that most states do not have the funding to offer proper support to those who are affected.

By failing to adhere to the regulations regarding advertisements for sports betting, the operators are seen to be adding to this problem. By clamping down on those that do flout these advertising laws, Ohio regulators are hoping to set an example that will reduce the risk of further violations by the same and other sports betting operators moving forward.