The Ohio Casino Control Commission sent three sports wagering operators — DraftKings — notices of violations carrying potential $150,000 fines for each, it announced Thursday.
Each of the sports betting operators has the right to a hearing with the OCCC concerning its concerns that their marketing efforts have failed to give sufficient attention to responsible gambling concerns.
The violation is DraftKings’ second announced penalty in on Jan. 1.
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PENN Entertainment/Barstool Sportsbook was another major operator to receive a notable penalty in Ohio. Last month, it was announced that the operator would receive a penalty of $250,000 for sharing a pre-registration promotional code during a live broadcast of the Barstool Sports college football show on the University of Toledo’s campus.
responsible gambling, although their efforts continue to be a concern. Given the volume of violations, it seems some major operators are struggling to adjust their marketing materials in a timeframe that satisfies OCCC guidelines and helps them avoid financial penalties.
Advertising again the culprit g602z
The OCCC’s recent memo to operators and other stakeholders called for an improved commitment to responsible gambling in marketing materials. The OCCC deemed that the three operators receiving violations this week fell short of those responsible gambling standards, including some that were stressed in late December.
Specifically, in recent days the three operators or their marketers failed to “clearly and conspicuously contain a message designed to prevent problem gambling as well as a helpline number to help access resources.
“The sports gaming industry has received multiple reminders of the rules and standards for advertising and promotions, yet continues to disregard Ohio law,” Matthew Schuler, the OCCC’s executive director, said in a press release. “These repeated violations leave the Commission no choice but to pursue istrative action to bring operators into compliance. The Commission takes responsible gambling seriously — and expects the industry to value the same.”
