Massachusetts will have some of the strongest advertising regulations in the industry when it opens MA sports betting this year.
State regulators even considered Thursday the seemingly incomprehensible idea of not displaying Massachusetts sports betting ads at stadiums such as Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium and TD Garden.
“Advertising can’t really happen at TD Park?” MGC chairman Jordan Maynard once asked.
The MGC’s tough stance follows Ohio sports betting regulators holding the state’s strict line of rules since the Jan. 1.
‘75% vs. 85% threshold’ debate
That was based on a draft law banning sports betting advertising at events aimed at minors or anywhere 25% of attendees could reasonably be expected to be under 21. This may interest you : Brant Berkstresser was named Associate AD of Sports Medicine.
The committee debated the so-called “75% vs. 85% threshold.” It finally settled at 75% of the original, which is easier to understand than the aforementioned 25%.
As a result, there will be advertising in the Commonwealth Stadium.
MA sports betting timeline
MA retail sports betting will begin Jan. 31, pending final legal action. This may interest you : Netflix pushes sports content while reminding viewers of its athletic prowess with NBA Opener Teaser. Online sports betting will start in early March.
The prosecutors insisted on the operators during the license hearing about the detailed game plans, and the ban on marketing and advertising materials to people under 21.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has hammered several gaming books for violating advertising rules. BetMGM, Caesars and DraftKings could each face a potential fine of $150,000.
MA sports betting specific bet ban
The regulations also cover the prohibition of advertisements or advertising of specific wagers. To see also : Liverpool FC is for sale by Fenway Sports Group.
No employee or salesperson of a sports wagering operator shall advise or encourage individual customers to place a specific wager of any kind, type, material or amount. This restriction does not prohibit general advertising or promotional activities.
Promo deductions TBD
MGM Springfield, Fanatics and DraftKings have sent letters to state regulators urging them to allow the ad cuts.
Reason: DraftKings respectfully requests that the Board expressly remove promotional1 points from Adjusted Sports Wagering Receipts. The inclusion of gaming advertising credits results in the Commonwealth levying tax on sums that do not reflect the actual income earned by the gaming operator. Excluding advertising points is the fairest way to tax sports wagering operators, and is the policy chosen by many of the online sports wagering states.
The board decided it had the authority to cut the ads by a 3-2 vote. But regional administrators have not made a final decision, opting to continue discussions at a later date.
They will meet on Jan. 18-19 to review and vote for six online sports betting operators. The rules discussion will resume on January 20.
