Although one of the most interesting forms of entertainment today, gambling has become a problem for many players around the world.
For some players, the line between fun and overdoing it is a bit blurred, and for this reason, many countries have introduced laws related to the prevention of unwanted consequences.
Campaigns are also steadily popping up to warn about possible problems.
Also, developers, as well as operators, must respect clearly defined rules when it comes to any kind of marketing, advertising, and the like, and adhere to the rules imposed by the regulator.
If this does not happen, penalties are very severe.
Announcement from Ohio
As we found out, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) handed out fines to as many as three well-known operators after non-compliance with the rules related to product advertising was observed.
The regulator said that BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings should be fined $150,000 (£126,000/€143,000) for advertising violations.
Operators or their brands, as said, posted sports betting ads, that did not comply with the regulations, on several platforms.
Ohio law, as well as administrative rules regarding advertising and promotions, were violated on that occasion.
“The sports gaming industry has received multiple reminders of the rules and standards for advertising and promotions, yet continues to disregard Ohio law,” said OCCC executive director Matthew Schuler. “These repeated violations leave the Commission no choice but to pursue administrative action to bring operators into compliance. The Commission takes responsible gambling seriously – and expects the industry to value the same.”
More on Ohio Laws
The laws passed by the regulator from Ohio provide that any such company that wants to advertise its products must design the advertisement so that it contains a clear message that will prevent gambling problems.
Also, the ad must contain a helpline number“for those experiencing gambling harms to access resources.”
New regulations were passed on December 30 in Ohio. The companies were informed about the change, and they had to adapt their ads to the regulations by January 1, 2023, at the latest.
BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings also used the phrases “free” and “risk-free” in their ads when talking about promotions or bonuses. However, for the player to be eligible for those benefits, he needs to risk his money at first, which practically means that it is not “free” – which led to the violation of Commission rules.
DraftKings Faces Additional Penalties
The OCCC also asks for an additional $350,000 fine for DraftKings. Namely, the brand mailed sports betting ads addressed to people under the age of 21.
“The Commission has been very clear about the rules and standards for sports gaming advertising with the industry, and are disappointed with the lack of compliance we have seen despite reminders,” added Schuler. “While we do not take administrative action lightly, DraftKings’ conduct in this case warrants the Commission’s intervention to ensure the integrity of sports gaming.”
Source:
“Ohio fines BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings $150k for ad violations’’, igbnorthamerica.com, January 6, 2023.
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