Ohio's Gambling Authority Proposes Alterations to Promotions and Advertisements in the Gaming Sector
"Alright, let's get this straight, ya hear? Last year in May, Ohio's gambling overseers, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), pulled the plug on Fanatics Sportsbook's sports betting ad."
"Why, you ask? Well, the ad had this cheeky little number where they offered customers a bonus that equaled their spending on merchandise. But, oh boy, did the OCCC see it differently. They thought it was a clear breach of Ohio's gambling regulations and ordered the ad packing its bags."
"Fast forward to now, and the OCCC has come up with a new plan: a proposal to define the ropes for operators offering promotions and bonuses. They lodged it with Ohio's Common Sense Initiative Office and, folks, it's calling for transparency and clarity in gambling ads.""
"To give you the lowdown, the proposal, all 3775-16-09 pages of it, sets rules for betting advertisers. First off, the ads must never be misleading and must be crystal clear to the viewers, ‘cause Ohio is one of the states that says no to "risk-free" bets in gambling ads."**
"The OCCC, eager to set things straight, also attached a Business Impact Analysis and a rundown of the amendment. Right now, the proposal is chillin' with the Common Sense Initiative Commission, and they'll be seeking public input through July 12, 2024. Fancy a say? Now's your chance!"
"Now, here's the interesting bit – the OCCC's new proposal tackles promotions just like the one by Fanatics last year. The OCCC wants to bar any promotions or bonuses that are connected to non-gaming transactions unless they meet a specific criterion."
"Get this, those bonuses or promotions can't be aimed at anyone under the legal gambling age (21), folks struggling with gambling issues, or other vulnerable individuals. And the betting operators are only supposed to pitch their wares to individuals who have prove their age and ain't on Ohio's Voluntary Exclusion Program."
"Here's a neat little fact for ya: under the OCCC's new proposal, promotional offers straight-up connected to online gambling wagering are a big no-no. But promotions related to non-gaming transactions or physical casino benefits can still slide into the game."
"Why's that? Well, the folks at OCCC are tryin' to regulate online gambling incentives, but still let operators offer promos tied to other parts of their business. Even Keynes himself would approve of that balance, don't ya think?"
"Now, how's that for a rundown, huh? Stay tuned for more updates on the world of gambling!"
[4] Openvault.com, "Ohio House Bill 298 Could Impact Internet Gambling," April 2023.
[5] GamblingCompliance.com, "Ohio Casino Control Commission Proposes Modifications to Internet Gaming Regulations," March 2023.
**"The Ohio Casino Control Commission's (OCCC) new proposal includes regulations against promotions or bonuses connected to non-gaming transactions, similar to the one that caused controversy with Fanatics Sportsbook last year.""
"In the OCCC's new plan, betting operators can only offer promotions or bonuses that meet a specific criterion and exclude individuals under 21, struggling with gambling issues, or on the Voluntary Exclusion Program."
