Massachusetts' 21+ regulation posing a challenge for ESPN and Fanatics
In the rapidly evolving world of sports betting, understanding the regulations that govern this industry is crucial. Two states under the spotlight are Massachusetts and Ohio, where the question of specific requirements for the "21+" verbiage on sports betting logos within major sports stadiums has been raised.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the legal age for sports betting is set at 21 years [1][2][4]. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates sports betting advertising and promotions, ensuring compliance with age restrictions and responsible gambling disclosure [1][3][4]. However, there is no publicly cited regulation detailing the exact wording, font sizes, or placement of "21+" statements on sportsbook logos near or within stadiums.
Licensed sportsbooks in Massachusetts routinely include "21+," responsible gambling helpline information, and other disclaimers in promotional materials and advertisements to comply with state law [2][4][5]. For instance, the BetMGM logo recently unveiled at Fenway Park for the 2023 season will be subject to the 21+ regulation [6].
In a notable case, DraftKings petitioned the MGC to waive the rule for its crown logo, but the petition was unsuccessful [7]. The company now faces the task of revising or removing its logos at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, and TD Garden.
Ohio
In Ohio, specific information on the regulations regarding "21+" verbiage on sports betting logos around stadiums was not available. However, the state's laws are similar to Massachusetts, setting the legal age for sports betting at 21 and mandating responsible gambling notices in advertising [8].
A Common Thread
Both states require sports betting operators to ensure participants are 21 years or older. Regulations emphasize prominent age restrictions and responsible gambling disclosures but do not specify exact wording, font sizes, or placement of "21+" on logos visible from stadiums. Operators typically include "21+" messaging and gambling helpline contacts on sportsbook logos and advertisements to fulfill regulatory obligations.
For exact compliance requirements (such as size, font, or placement around stadiums), operators usually consult with state gaming commissions or state legal frameworks directly, as these details are often part of regulatory guidance or licensing conditions not broadly disclosed online.
Future Considerations
The MGC is poised to review documents detailing the relationship between ESPN BET and PENN Entertainment, and the commission might make its discomfort known if betting and odds are discussed on ESPN's College GameDay football preview. The commission might also ask for "21+" verbiage on non-sportsbook advertisements due to the similarity of the ESPN BET and Fanatics Sportsbook logos.
The issue has not come up for Fanatics so far. However, precedent has been set by the commission, and ESPN and Fanatics might have to jump through hoops to comply.
It's essential to note that both the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and the Ohio Casino Control Commission have fined operators for sending mailers to underage individuals and discussing wagering on college football shows near college campuses. Questions about ESPN's College GameDay football preview have surfaced, and it seems likely the commission will make its discomfort known if betting and odds are discussed on an episode shot on or near a college campus.
For precise, legally binding requirements for logo verbiage for stadium visibility in Massachusetts or Ohio, contacting the respective state gaming commissions or regulatory bodies would provide authoritative guidance. A social betting company is considering legal action against ESPN due to the new logo.
Sources:
- Massachusetts Gaming Commission Regulations
- Massachusetts Sports Betting Law
- Massachusetts Gaming Commission Enforcement Division
- Massachusetts Gaming Commission Responsible Gaming
- Massachusetts Gaming Commission Advertising
- BetMGM Unveils Fenway Park Logo
- DraftKings Fails to Get Waiver for Crown Logo
- Ohio Sports Betting Law
- In both Massachusetts and Ohio, sports betting operators are required to ensure participants are 21 years old under the regulations established by their respective gaming commissions.
- To comply with state laws, sportsbooks in both Massachusetts and Ohio routinely include "21+" messaging and responsible gambling helpline contacts on their logos and advertisements.
- While the states do not specify the exact wording, font sizes, or placement of "21+" on logos visible from stadiums, operators seek guidance directly from their state gaming commissions or legal frameworks to ensure full regulatory compliance.
