Barstool Promo in Massachusetts Laws & Regulations

Inquiry Opened into Barstool Promo in Massachusetts

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 29 March 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 been confirmed that an inquiry has been opened into a sports betting promotion that was launched by the operator Barstool in Massachusetts. According to reports, discussions are to take place among members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission with regard to potentially unlawful practices by the sports betting operator.

The message that was given in the promo by Barstool is described as being potentially deceptive and unfair, according to reports. This referred to the language that was used in one of the operator’s sports betting promotions offers in the state. As part of the promotion, Dan Katz, a Barstool personality, used the term ‘can’t lose’ in a promotion.

An Attempt at Being Humorous

The two words, ‘can’t lose’ that were used in the promotion have resulted in a comprehensive investigation as to whether the operator breached regulations. However, according to Penn CEO Jay Snowden, this was nothing more than an attempt at being humorous. He said:

It’s meant to be funny, it’s not meant to be pushing something viewed as ‘can’t lose.’

Referring to Dan Katz, he added that he “…is one of the worst gamblers in the world.”

Snowden also confirmed that the phrase was no longer being used in promotions and ads, and it would remain this way for the foreseeable future. While the CEO believes that the promo has been blown out of proportion, it appears that commission officials are taking the matter extremely seriously.

Moreover, this is not the first advertising violation faced by the operator in recent times. Just a month ago, Barstool was hit with a fine of $250,000 by regulators in Ohio after promoting its sportsbook near a university campus. This was considered a violation as it was promoting services to those considered underage in the state.

Massachusetts has among the toughest and most stringent regulations when it comes to advertising regulations for sports betting. It has already been reported that officials have been keeping a close eye on how sportsbooks have been using ads and promotions to attract new customers, and this means that any violations are likely to be identified with speed and efficiency by regulators.

Various Actions Could Be Taken

Following the review of the incident, which was first reported by Loretta Lillios, chief enforcement counsel and deputy director of the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) for the MGC, a number of actions might be taken.

Regulators are keen to come down hard on sportsbooks that are found to be violating regulations in a bid to stamp out issues as soon as possible. This does not look good for Barstool, which could find itself being hit with another huge financial penalty, among other things.

According to reports, disciplinary action could result in the suspension or even revocation of the sports betting license. Alternatively, it could result in the operator’s license being amended or modified, and it will most likely lead to a hefty fine. Further action could be taken by regulators as deemed necessary based on the nature of the violation.