Ohio Regulators Continue to Put a Stop to Sports Book Ads
Published: August 21, 2023
Picture this: You’re ordering dinner delivery, and right before you close the app, you get an ad encouraging you to sign up for one of many sportsbook apps, despite the fact that you’ve never bet on sports. These kinds of promotional offers during non-sportsbook transactions are starting to be regulated in Ohio.
Promotional offers during unrelated consumer transactions are ads that pop up on the screens of individuals as they are doing something that has nothing to do with betting, like ordering food delivery or shopping online. And an increasing amount of sportsbooks were doing this before Ohio regulators started to put a stop to it in July, according to a Sports Handle article.
For example, Fanatics Sportsbook, an offshoot of the sports gear retailer Fanatics.com, recently advertised to customers who bought gear on their website to try out the new sportsbook. According to Sports Handle, BetMGM tried to do the same, including a food delivery app with a popup ad after ordering that encouraged people to “deposit $5, get $50 in bonus bets at BetMGM.”
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is working to put an end to these kinds of advertisements due to the fact that they “normalize gambling and damage the commission’s efforts around responsible gambling.”
“The Commission is cognizant that research demonstrates that the normalization of gambling increases the risk for problem gambling, especially among young people,” the OCCC said in a letter. “Therefore, these types of promotions offered to consumers based on their non-gaming related purchases threaten the integrity of sports gaming in Ohio and are not permitted.”
With sports betting advertising only expected to grow, it is important to know how to keep sports betting responsible if you choose to participate. Whether you’re about to place your first or next sports bet, pause for a moment and remember these three responsible betting tips:
- Set Limits: Setting limits on the amount you can bet and lose, or the amount of time you play, is an easy way to keep your betting responsible. There are apps available that can help set and enforce your limits.
- Recognize the Risk: Every bet is a risk, and the more you bet, the bigger the risk. Gauge that risk before every bet and find out whether you might be at risk for a problem with gambling by taking the two-minute Rate Your Risk quiz.
- Know When to Stop: When the rush of the bet begins to mean more than the actual sport, it might be time to stop. By setting limits and keeping yourself accountable, you can keep sports betting a fun activity to be enjoyed with friends and family.
Get more free tips and education on responsible sports betting at BeforeYouBet.org. And if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, never hesitate to call the free and confidential Problem Gambling Helpline. Trained and understanding specialists will answer 24/7. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741.