The imminent launch of sports in Buckeye State, advertising bombardment by operators, and a recent press examining marketing tactics contracted through bookmakers have combined to bolster scrutiny of the sports gaming industry.
DraftKings is the latest sportsbook to be criticized for its marketing efforts through the legal sports regulator in Buckeye State.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) announced Friday that it has issued a violation notice to DraftKings regarding an alleged violation of the state’s sports advertising rules.
According to the OCCC, DraftKings sent out about 2500 classified ads in November targeted to others under the age of 21, in violation of state law.
The regulator is demanding that the Boston-based online sports operator establish new procedures to avoid long-term mistakes. The OCCC is seeking a $350,000 fine from the company.
DraftKings has the right to a hearing and due process on the matter, the OCCC said, and ultimately the commission will have to vote on any action the operator takes.
“The Commission has been very transparent about the rules and criteria for sports gaming advertising with the industry and is disappointed with the lack of compliance we have noticed despite the recalls,” Matthew Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, said in a press release.
DraftKings did not respond to a request for comment from Covers.
However, Friday’s release and proposed fine stuck to the OCCC’s reading of the law on riot advertising to sports operators last week, as the regulator claimed it saw corporations circumventing the rules. The Ohio regulator also issued reprimands to Barstool Sportsbook and PlayUp for alleged advertising issues. .
In addition, the OCCC warned the industry about its advertising practices days before the launch of legal sports in Ohio.
On Jan. 1, the state’s online and retail sports betting sites will begin accepting bets as part of a significant expansion of legal gambling in Ohio. , as so far 20 operators have been authorised through the OCCC.
The closure of the launch in Ohio, advertising from operators prior to that launch and some recent news articles examining marketing contracted through bookmakers have combined to bolster scrutiny of the sports gaming industry in the state.
“While we do not take administrative action lightly, DraftKings’ conduct in this matter warrants the intervention of the Commission for the Integrity of Sports Games,” Schuler added in the statement.