The Ohio Casino Control Commission told Fanatics Sportsbook last week to take down an Ohio sports betting promotion featuring “bonus bets” in exchange for retail purchases.
The operator complied, a Fanatics spokesperson said.
The OH sports betting promotion called for Fanatics’ customers who purchased retail merchandise to receive a bonus bet.
“Fanatics has ceased the promotion in question,” a spokesperson for the OCCC said. “The Commission appreciates Fanatics’ attention this matter.”
Ohio sports betting promo details
The promotion was pointed out by responsible gaming advocate Jamie Salsburg via Twitter.
Salsburg tweeted a screenshot that a $29.99 hat purchase would yield a $29.99 bonus bet:
More on OH sports betting promo
The Fanatics’ Ohio sportsbook promotion included the following message:
“We’re matching your eligible purchase as a Bonus Bet to use on the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
“New Fanatics Sportsbook accounts only. One per account. Cannot be combined with any other offer. 21+. Ohio only. See offer terms. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.”
State regulator clamps down on ads
The OCCC has some of the strictest advertising regulations in the country.
Since the legal launch of online OH sports wagering on Jan. 1, the state regulator handed out over $1 million in penalties.
The OCCC did not expound on the matter when asked a follow-up question by LSR.
Fanatics cross-sell strategy
Fanatics has been open about its intentions to cross-sell within its platform.
“We believe that long-term, even today, we have an advantageous customer-acquisition model,” Fanatics Betting & Gaming CEO Matt King said earlier this month.
“ … And ultimately we think that the best product and the best rewards program will win. And we think that when we deliver those two things combined, with our acquisition model, we can be No. 1 in 10 years.
“If you know one thing about Fanatics, don’t underestimate Michael Rubin.”
