Ohio Regulatory Body Proposes Fines for BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings
In a significant move, Missouri is poised to become the next state to legalize mobile sports betting, following in the footsteps of Ohio, which legalized the practice in 2022[1]. Sports betting in Missouri is expected to go live by December 1, 2025, according to recent reports[2].
Meanwhile, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is currently grappling with regulatory issues. The commission has granted each of the sports betting operators the right to a hearing concerning their violations, which are primarily related to responsible gambling concerns in marketing efforts[3].
The OCCC has issued notices of violations to several major operators, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and PENN Entertainment/Barstool Sportsbook[3]. The violations include sharing pre-registration promotional codes during live broadcasts and failing to clearly and conspicuously contain a message designed to prevent problem gambling as well as a helpline number to help access resources[3].
The penalties for these violations are substantial. DraftKings, for instance, was fined $350,000 for its first violation in Ohio, and another $350,000 for sending advertisements to individuals under the age of 21, a violation that marked DraftKings' second announced penalty in Ohio within a week[3]. PENN Entertainment/Barstool Sportsbook was fined $250,000[3].
The OCCC takes responsible gambling seriously and expects the industry to value the same. The commission's executive director, Matthew Schuler, stated that the industry's disregard for Ohio law has led to repeated violations[3].
While Ohio faces regulatory challenges, other states are either already legal or in progress but not newly considering it immediately after Ohio, according to available data[1][4]. These include well-established markets such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming[1][4].
Meanwhile, states such as New York and Connecticut are relevant due to recent online sports betting legislation but not explicitly after Ohio[3].
This information reflects the status as of July 2025 and may evolve with new legislative developments. The OCCC has reiterated the rules and standards for advertising and promotions multiple times, and has reached out to stakeholders about the need for a closer attention to responsible gambling[3].
As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that regulatory bodies will play a crucial role in ensuring that operators adhere to responsible gambling standards.
[1] Source: Legal Sports Report () [2] Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch () [3] Source: Ohio Casino Control Commission () [4] Source: American Gaming Association ()
- Operators such as BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and PENN Entertainment/Barstool Sportsbook in Missouri need to be mindful of responsible gambling standards while they prepare for the upcoming launch of sports betting.
- The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has warned all stakeholders about the need to pay closer attention to responsible gambling practices as they market their sports betting offerings.
- Despite the substantial fines for violations, instances of non-compliance with responsible gambling regulations persist in the casino-and-gambling industry.
- In light of the recent regulatory challenges faced by Ohio, other states are urged to establish clear guidelines and penalties for sports betting violations to help promote a safe and responsible betting environment.
