The public is encouraged to share comments on responsible gambling rules with the Ohio Casino Control Commission from now until Jan. 3.
The comment period is mandated by state laws “at least once every five years” and, in this case, applies to legal gambling taking place at casinos and online via sports betting apps.
This comment period applies to four “no-change” rules regarding responsible gambling in Ohio, meaning the OCCC does not propose any changes to these rules. However, that could change depending on feedback from the public.
The “no-change” rules revolve around the VEP (Voluntary Exclusion Program) for individuals in Ohio who wish to restrict or terminate their participation in wagering at casinos or sportsbooks. The language for all relevant sections of the responsible gambling rules can be seen in a document from the OCCC.
Compulsive and problem gambling plans for casinos and sports betting operators in Ohio
Under current law, casinos and sportsbooks, both online and retail, are tasked with formulating a responsible gambling plan of action that addresses VEP procedures, as well as the risk of underage gambling.
The current language reads in part:
“Each excluded entity and facility, who is a casino or sports gaming facility or an online sports pool, must provide to the Ohio casino control commission a disordered and problem gambling plan for approval.”
In addition, casinos must have “(p)rocedures for excluded facilities to prevent patrons impaired by drugs or alcohol, or both, from gambling,” and adopt a plan for “posting signs within an excluded facility, containing information on gambling treatment and on the Ohio VEP, including examples of the language and graphics to be used on the signs.”
Ohio law requires individuals to be at least 21 years of age to register and wager legally with an Ohio sports betting site or mobile app. Previously, the state has cracked down on sports betting operators who promoted their products near to or targeted at college or high school students under 21. Both Barstool Sports and DraftKings were fined as a result.
Ohio allows as many as 46 sports betting apps, with 20 licenses currently being utilized. There may be as many as 40 retail sportsbooks, and the state now has 15 in operation. In addition, Ohio permits sports betting kiosks, with roughly 900 such machines in the state, located at convenience stores, in rest stops, and elsewhere.
Deadline for public comment on responsible gambling regulations
The public can submit formal written comments to the OCCC, or email comments and suggestions to [email protected]. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 3, 2024.
