Ohio’s Gambling Regulator Cracks Down on iGaming Promotions

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has approved major updates to its advertising and promotional regulations, aiming to strengthen consumer protections and enhance gambling integrity across the state.

Key Regulatory Changes

• Prohibition on linking gambling promotions to non-gaming consumer transactions to prevent underage targeting (e.g., Fanatics Sportsbook merchandise offers).

• Restrictions against offering promotions to individuals on exclusion lists or identified as problem gamblers.

• Strengthened integrity monitoring, requiring proactive data collection and analysis to detect suspicious activity.

Implementation and Oversight

• The new rules await approval from Ohio’s Common-Sense Initiative and the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review.

• Final adoption is expected later this year, after which OCCC will enforce the measures.

• The executive director will also define safe, anonymous reporting methods for athletes and whistleblowers.

Wider Regulatory Context

• Massachusetts regulators are considering similar gambling reforms.

• The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) clarified it is not targeting entertainment venues like Chuck E Cheese or Dave & Busters.

• Dave & Busters’ plan to allow app-based peer wagering has faced bans in Nevada and stalled legislative discussions in Illinois.

These developments underscore a national shift toward more robust gambling oversight, emphasizing fairness, accountability, and protection for vulnerable populations.