The Massachusetts Gaming Authority (MGA) is contemplating tightening its promotional and advertising limitations. During a gathering on Tuesday, April 30th, the board debated prohibiting incentives or bonuses that are not associated with wagering.
The MGA is considering outlawing promotions not linked to gambling, which would make it the initial state to enact such a prohibition. Ohio was the first state to contemplate banning promotions not linked to gambling. In that state, Fanatics provided cross-promotions between online sports betting and retail products. Last year, soon after Ohio launched its legal market, Fanatics offered promotional wagers to clients who purchased goods for its digital sports betting platform. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) started discussing the idea of restricting such promotions 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 establish a fair playing field.
Ohio sports betting regulators are ending Fanatics sports betting promotions that offered bonus bets to Fanatics merchandise customers.
This is the first time the MGA has introduced a prohibition on promotions not related to gambling.
The board members expressed their desire for additional data before arriving at a conclusion. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien articulated her need for explicit guidelines, input from the gaming enterprises, and a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.
Massachusetts is renowned for its stringent regulations concerning gambling advertisements. The state boasts some of the most rigorous rules nationwide. They mandate the inclusion of the phrase “21 and over” on all advertisements visible within or from athletic arenas. Massachusetts was the pioneering state to prohibit colleges from collaborating with gambling businesses. They prohibit gambling promotions in locations where the majority of individuals are under the age of 21.
The commissioners reached a consensus that the initial step in contemplating a prohibition on gambling promotions would be to solicit written feedback from the gaming companies.
On Monday, the commission consented to employ a novel method for verifying identities, proposed by Fanatics and Caesars Sportsbook. The specifics of this new system are still under development as the commission continues its discussions with the gaming companies.
