Ohio Contemplates Sports Betting Bonus Restrictions: Industry Giants React

The OCCC revealed draft regulations on November 9, aiming to address concerns raised during an exchange with Fanatics in May. The sports merchandise company had halted a bonus bet offer linked to purchases from its retail arm due to worries about reaching individuals below the legal betting age and those in Ohio’s Voluntary Exclusion Program.

The proposed guidelines stress that sports gaming operators must refrain from offering promotional bonuses tied to non-gaming transactions unless recipients are age-verified and not on the voluntary exclusion list. The emphasis is on avoiding promotions targeting individuals under 21, ineligible for sports gaming, individuals with gambling problems, or other vulnerable individuals.

Ohio, home to 20 online sports betting sites, may see a significant impact on operators offering consumer purchase tie-ins, although not all platforms engage in such ventures.

FanDuel and Fanatics, being the only operators to submit comments within the deadline, challenge Ohio’s proposed rules. Fanatics Betting & Gaming argues against the regulations, emphasizing responsible marketing, while FanDuel deems age and exclusion list verification in standard consumer transactions impractical.

The OCCC is currently reviewing concerns raised by Fanatics and FanDuel. A spokesperson mentioned it's premature to determine if revisions will be made before the formal rule-making process begins. The outcome of this regulatory clash will shape Ohio's sports betting landscape, potentially setting a precedent for other states facing similar challenges.