The Ohio Casino Control Commission has issued a slew of penalties since then. They have now reached $1,000,000. BetMGM was the latest operator to be booked. It was handed a $150,000 fine by the watchdog on Wednesday.
Penalties are all around Ohio
The OCCCdeclares that BetMGM was among the companies subject to enforcement for failing to adhere to industry standards when advertising their gambling products. As confirmed by regulators early in the year, Barstool Sportsbook and DraftKings were among the companies that faced a similar penalty.
The OCCC claimed that the aforementioned companies failed to communicate responsible gambling messages in their marketing and promotional incentives, leaving gamblers unaware about helpline options. The regulator also took issue with BetMGM for what it considered a frivolous use by the words ” risk free” or ” no“. These terms are used to describe wagers which are not necessarily “free”, but instead compel gamblers to try again with the same amount of money.
Rhea Loney , BetMGM’s chief compliance officer , accepted Wednesday’s regulator’s decision. Loney stated that BetMGM accepts responsibility for making an error and that they will rectify it. Loney also assured that the company adheres to responsible gambling standards.
Loney stated that the company had already taken the initiative to train its employees and sent a message out to its affiliate partners. BetMGM has been using the GameSense program from British Columbia to raise awareness about problem gambling and ensure vulnerable consumers get the help they need.
All Culprits Accept Penalties and Promise to Do Better
BetMGM is not the only entity to be fined. All DraftKings and Caesars had to pay $150,000. DraftKings was also subject to regulatory ire. It was required to pay $350,000 more and PENN Entertainment was fined $250,000.
Operators have accepted the penalties and acknowledged their mistakes in dealing with the watchdog. The Ohio operators have already paid over $1 million in penalties.
