The Ohio Casino Control Commission is making gambling headlines, as they have already fined Caesars Entertainment, and BetMGM and DraftKings fines are likely in the near future. All because the operators failed to comply with gaming regulations surrounding problem gambling, underage gambling, and responsible gambling.
First, the Caesars Sportsbook received a $150,000 fine for violating state advertising standards when they failed to include a problem gambling hotline phone number in one of their promotions, and did not place a responsible gambling practices in a conspicuous place.
Then, DraftKings fines totaling $350,000 could be on the way after the company made a real bonehead mistake. They sent 150,000 advertisements through the mail addressed to people under the age of 21. What were they thinking? We may yet find out, as they can request a hearing to explain themselves and possibly avoid the fine.
A representative for the Commission speaking to the Caesars and DraftKings fines stated that they were quite clear about these rules and the standards for sports betting advertisements. They added that they were “disappointed with the lack of compliance we have seen despite reminders.”
It should also be noted that the regulator not only sent notices to Caesars and DraftKings, but also to BetMGM for failures related to advertising, responsible gambling. That fine is also slated to be in the $150,000 range, although specifics about their violation were not specified.