The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has voted in favor of a requirement that all sports betting ads across the state must now include “21+” or a similar term clearly indicating the minimum age requirement for sports wagering.
The new requirement applies to all forms of sports betting advertising both online and in public locations. This means that sports betting ads that appear in stadiums such as Fenway Park, TD Garden, and Gillette Stadium must carry the minimum age requirement.
The decision to introduce the requirement was approved by a vote of 3-2 at Thursday’s Massachusetts Gaming Commission meeting.
A similar requirement had been included in the original Massachusetts sports betting bill but was removed as it was deemed too restrictive. That requirement made it necessary for any sports betting brand to have 21+ terminology anywhere it’s logo was located. This included the signage on the brand’s offices such as DraftKings’ headquarters in Boston.
The newly approved requirement is seen as a compromise as it now only affects signage and advertising that is clearly targeting potential customers. Any logo that appears on its own will not require the 21+ terminology unless used in a sporting venue where people who are under the legal age for sports betting may see it.
MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein said that the commission may be putting undue pressure on sports betting operators by introducing a requirement for all branding:
New Regulation Requires Massachusetts Sports Betting Ads to Carry 21+ Disclaimer“A logo is different from an advertisement. We have to treat all the licensees the same.”
Chair Judd-Stein and Brad Hill voted against the regulation but failed to stop it from passing.
The commission has given all sports betting operators in the state a 90 day window to comply with the new requirement.
