Massachusetts May Join Ohio in Banning Bonuses Unrelated to Sports Betting

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is beginning to discuss adding additional regulations to its sports betting market. The Bay State is currently considering a ban on unrelated sportsbook bonuses. The move comes shortly after the Ohio Casino Control Commission announced that it would be considering a similar measure.

The ban gained momentum after Fanatics was cited for offering bonuses to customers purchasing merchandise from their team apparel stores. Hard Rock also upset regulators by offering bonuses and promotions within its resorts and restaurants.

States have been rushing to add regulations around advertising for sports betting operators over the last few months. An increase in problem gambling and illegal betting has caused uproar from the public and legislatures across the country. Those states taking action are targeting wagering on college player props and advertising.

Massachusetts and Ohio seem likely to approve these changes to their sports betting regulations. If they do, expect to see a flurry of other states follow suit.

More Advertising Regulations May Be Coming

The ban being considered by the MGC is likely just the beginning of changes to regulations around advertising for sports bettors. There has been a growing movement in the US Congress to severely restrict how sportsbooks can advertise themselves. 

Some of the discussed restrictions include removing all branding from arenas and stadiums, limiting TV commercials, and banning certain languages. The hope is that these kinds of changes could help temper the rise in problem gambling and underage betting. Many states have complained about sportsbooks advertising to players under the age of 21, though few have taken concrete steps to address the problem. That has led to a call for changes at a federal level.

While some pushback is expected from the country’s major sportsbooks, it seems likely that additional regulations are inevitable.