Penn Entertainment made a positive step on Tuesday as North American regulators consider tighter online operator marketing guidelines. At a meeting with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), Samantha Haggerty , Deputy Chief Compliance Officer and the Regulatory Affairs Counsel stated that Penn Entertainment and Penn Interactive will be reviewing their marketing strategies moving forward.
Haggerty spoke out about Penn Interactive’s marketing measures that ensure responsible gambling messaging.
Haggerty stated that Penn would not use “risk-free” in its marketing materials for online or retail sports betting targeting Massachusetts. This is to further demonstrate Penn’s and PI’s commitment to responsible gambling practices. To demonstrate our commitment towards responsible gambling and advertising, Penn has removed the word ‘risk-free” from any Penn gambling marketing material after listening to the MGC’s concerns and the ones of other jurisdictions.
MGC commissioners have previously talked about potential regulations that would limit the manner online operators present sign-up offers. Operators were also required by Ohioregulators to ensure that they did not mislead their customers during Sunday’s launch.
Last April’s Ontario marketing restrictions ban was outlier. However, many regulators have taken notice and are considering following the lead.
Late December saw public outrage over how these bets were presented. In an New York Times personal article, Rebecca Ruiz recounted the experiences she had with betting apps, as well as various offers from online sportsbooks.
It isn’t the first time that the MGC suitability hearings have prompted potential operators to make marketing adjustments. Caesars Entertainment made a pledge just a few weeks back to end all relationships with colleges athletic departments. The company refused to end its agreements with Michigan State University or LSU.
