Regulatory Body in Ohio Advocates for Enhanced Advertising Strategies Centered on Responsible Gambling Practices
As Ohio prepares to launch legal sports betting this weekend, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is taking a proactive approach to ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment.
Amanda Blackford, the OCCC's director of operations and problem gambling services, has expressed concerns about problem gambling stemming from widespread wagering. She emphasized the importance of fun and responsibility in sports betting, urging operators to implement measures that promote responsible gambling habits.
In a memo sent to gaming stakeholders, the OCCC outlined specific responsible gambling measures that operators must adhere to. These measures include age restrictions, weekly deposit caps, playtime limits, advertising regulations, high standards of safety and integrity, and a prohibition on certain bet types.
Operators must ensure all players are at least 21 years old to place bets, whether online or in person. A weekly deposit limit of $500 is mandated to help control excessive gambling spending. A maximum playtime limit of five hours per week is required to encourage responsible time management for gambling activities.
Operators must also adhere to advertising rules that include forbidding gambling ads on college campuses and banning the use of the word "free" in marketing. Ohio sportsbooks must demonstrate secure payment systems, transparent operations, and overall commitment to protecting users from harm. The OCCC has been urged to ban prop bets, especially for college players, due to their association with integrity risks.
The OCCC also stressed the importance of directing those in need to proper resources, like responsible gambling hotlines. The commission expects helpline numbers to be at least as clear, legible, and audible as advertisements in any sports betting advertisement. An advertisement should not require zooming in, slowing down, or turning up the volume for an individual to see or hear a helpline number.
DraftKings was issued a notice of violation for advertising to individuals under the age of 21. The potential fine for DraftKings' violation is $350,000. The OCCC's memo lists three core tenets that advertisements must comply with: all advertisements must contain a responsible gambling message, all RG messages must be conspicuous, and advertisements can't target individuals under the age of 21.
The OCCC's letter asks stakeholders to immediately review responsible gambling messaging used in advertisements to reduce shortcomings in the future. With 16 mobile sportsbooks expected to go live in Ohio on Jan. 1, regulators want to ensure responsible gambling provisions aren't skirted.
Pause Before You Play, a responsible gambling campaign from Ohio for Responsible Gambling, focuses on helping users build responsible betting habits. Access to the Pause Before You Play toolkit can be found at https://t.co/UkamHcmKzf.
The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health has redoubled its prevention efforts due to Ohio's legalization of sports betting. In states that preceded Ohio in legalizing sports betting, higher interest and more struggles with problem gambling have been observed. The OCCC hopes better advertising practices from operators can prevent possible problem gambling behavior.
As Ohio prepares to join the ranks of states with legal sports betting, the OCCC's efforts to promote responsible gambling and protect sports integrity are a welcome addition to the conversation.
Operators are expected to adhere to advertising rules that prohibit gambling ads on college campuses and the use of the word "free" in marketing. The OCCC is urging operators to ban prop bets, especially for college players, due to their association with integrity risks.
The OCCC's memo requires operators to implement measures that promote responsible gambling habits, such as age restrictions, deposit limits, and playtime limits. These measures aim to help control excessive gambling spending and encourage responsible time management.
DraftKings received a notice of violation for advertising to individuals under the age of 21, potentially facing a fine of $350,000. The OCCC's letter calls for stakeholders to review responsible gambling messaging in advertisements to reduce shortcomings.
The OCCC's efforts to push for responsible gambling and protect sports integrity are a welcome addition to the conversation as Ohio prepares to join the states with legal sports betting. The Ohio Center for Excellence for Behavioral Health has redoubled its prevention efforts due to Ohio's legalization of sports betting.
