The Ohio Casino Control Commission is taking action in order to stop another licensed operator from offering a promotional offer tied to a merchandise sale.
The OCCC submitted Ohio Adm.Code chapter 3775-16-9 in a proposal rule to the state’s Common Sense Initiative Office. This clarifies how licensees can offer bonuses or promotions tied to transactions other than gaming.
This rule ensures that gambling advertisements do not contain any misleading material.
Ohio law is violated by fanatics
In response to a mishap in marketing by Sportsbook Fanatics, the OCCC filed a rule.
The parent company Fans of the operator offered in Ohio a promotional offer in 2023 that rewarded Buckeye State residents with an amount equal to their merchandise purchase. An investigation by the OCCC determined that the promo violated the active gaming regulations of two different sections.
The rule 3775-1608 as well as the rule 3775-1609 outline standards for responsible gaming messages and only offering promotions to customers 21 years and older. These rules outline the requirements that operators must provide an opt-out option for future advertisements.
Ohio prohibits the use of risk-free wagering terminology, as do other gambling markets regulated in the United States.
The proposed Ohio rule details
The Chapter 3775-16-9 ensures gambling ads are unambiguous and clear in Ohio.
Promos are prohibited by the rule.
A bonus or promo can only be linked to a non-gaming transaction if “it does not target people under 21 years of age, those who cannot participate in sport gaming, gambling addicts, or any other vulnerable persons.”
If the rule is followed, promotions or bonuses can be offered to customers who are 21 years old or older but are not part of the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program.
The OCCC opened a period for public comments on the new rule, which ends on July 12th. Residents and operators have also been provided with a Analysis of Business Impact by the regulator.
Fanatics face regulatory woes
The operator’s misstep in Ohio is a result of the violation committed by a fanatic last year.
Tennessee Sports Wagering Council handed Fanatics $50,000 in fines earlier this month for violating state rules regarding self exclusion lists. After allowing self-excluded accounts holders to bet with their sportsbook, Fanatics reported the violation.
Fans attributed this error to the $225 million purchase of PointsBet’s U.S. operations.
