Regulatory Body in Ohio Pushes for Enhanced Advertising Standards for Responsible Gambling Practices
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has sent a memo to gaming stakeholders, urging them to review responsible gambling measures in preparation for the impending launch of legal sports betting this weekend. With hundreds of sports betting kiosks set to be allowed across the state and over 15 mobile operators expected to launch, the OCCC is taking steps to ensure that consumers are protected from potential problem gambling behavior.
The OCCC's guidelines for responsible gambling in sports betting advertisements include age restrictions (for individuals 21 or older), limits on weekly deposits ($500 cap), and a weekly play time limit of five hours. Additionally, Ohio bans gambling ads on college campuses and prohibits the use of the word "free" in marketing to minimize risk and impulsive betting.
Recently, the OCCC fined PENN Entertainment/Barstool Sportsbook $250,000 for advertising to underage individuals, emphasizing the importance of directing those in need to proper resources, like responsible gambling hotlines. The Commission is also concerned about the potential growth of problem gambling issues in Ohio due to widespread access to legal sports betting, and hopes that better advertising practices from operators can prevent such behavior.
The OCCC's memo highlights three core tenets that advertisements must adhere to: responsible gambling messages must be included, conspicuous, and not targeted at individuals under the age of 21. The Commission has also asked stakeholders to immediately review responsible gambling messaging used in advertisements to reduce shortcomings in the future.
Currently, there is significant public and governmental pressure, led by Governor Mike DeWine, urging the OCCC to ban prop bets and micro-betting due to concerns about player integrity and the harm these bets may cause to athletes and the integrity of sports. While these efforts focus on removing certain bet types from Ohio's legal wagers, the guidelines also indicate a balance between promoting market growth and protecting consumers.
As the sports betting landscape in Ohio continues to evolve, the OCCC is committed to ensuring that consumers are protected and that responsible gambling practices are prioritized. With 16 mobile sportsbooks expected to go live on Jan. 1, the OCCC wants to ensure that responsible gambling provisions aren't skirted.
For those interested in learning more about responsible gambling, the OCCC's problem gambling prevention campaign, Pause Before You Play, focuses on helping users build responsible betting habits. Access the Pause Before You Play toolkit at https://t.co/UkamHcmKzf.
Casinos, professional sports arenas, and smaller establishments like bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, and grocery stores are expected to have retail sportsbooks in Ohio, providing a variety of options for bettors. However, it's important to remember that responsible gambling is about more than just enjoying the gameβit's about ensuring that the experience remains enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.
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- The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has emphasized the importance of including responsible gambling messages in sports betting advertisements, ensuring they are conspicuous and not targeted at individuals under 21.
- To prevent potential problem gambling behavior, the OCCC has implemented guidelines such as age restrictions, limits on weekly deposits and play time, and bans on gambling ads on college campuses and using the word "free" in marketing.
- As legal sports betting launches in Ohio this weekend, the OCCC encourages casino-and-gambling stakeholders to prioritize responsible gambling practices, educating consumers about the risks involved and providing resources for those in need.
