The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has announced that it will impose financial penalties of $150,000 on BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings.
Prohibited terms ‘free’ and ‘risk free’ were used in welcome offers
OCCC Executive Director Matt Schuler said in a statement:
“The sports gaming industry has received multiple reminders of the rules and standards for advertising and promotions, yet continues to disregard Ohio law. 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.”
The OCCC statement also noted that the three sports betting operators used the terms ‘free’ and ‘risk free’ in relation to their welcome bonuses. Ohio sports betting rules state that this is not permitted.
Ohio Regulators Fine BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings Ohio Regulators Fine BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKingsThis brings the total number of fines issued by the OCCC to five following earlier penalties handed out to DraftKings and Barstool Sports.
According to research by American casino guide USA-Casino.com, 2022 global casino-industry fines reached $264 million – up 443% compared to 2021.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.