Massachusetts Gaming Authority Considers Ban on Non-Gambling Promotions
The Massachusetts Gaming Authority (MGA) is contemplating further tightening its promotional and advertising limitations. At a gathering on Tuesday, April 30, the authority deliberated on prohibiting promotions or rewards not connected to gambling.
The MGA is contemplating a prohibition on promotions not related to gambling, following the example of Ohio, which was the first state to consider such a prohibition. In Ohio, Fanatics provided cross-promotions between its online sports wagering and retail goods. Last year, after launching its legal market in Ohio, Fanatics offered promotional wagers to customers who purchased goods for its digital sports wagering. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has been discussing the idea of restricting such promotions since last summer, but has not yet taken action.
Mina Makarious, the MGA’s external legal counsel, stated that operators have raised several inquiries to the OCCC. These include how to implement it without unforeseen consequences and how to create a level playing field.
The Ohio sports betting regulator is ending Fanatics Sportsbook’s promotion that offered bonus wagers to Fanatics merchandise customers.
This is the first time the MGA has introduced a prohibition on promotions not related to gambling.
The board members desire additional information before making a final judgment. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien seeks to see clear guidelines, hear from gaming companies, and gain further knowledge about the subject.
Massachusetts is a pioneer in the United States for its stringent regulations on gambling advertising. They mandate a 21+ sign on any advertisement displayed at sporting events. They were the first state to prohibit colleges from collaborating with gambling companies. They do not permit gambling advertisements in locations where the majority of individuals are under 21.
The commissioners unanimously agreed that the initial step is to gather feedback from gaming companies before prohibiting promotions that are not related to gambling.
On Monday, April 29th, the commission consented to utilize a novel method for verifying customers, proposed by Fanatics and Caesars Sportsbook. The specifics of this approach are still under development.
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