Ohio Governor Dire Warning: Some Sportsbooks Have 'Already Crossed the Line'

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine warned this week that he intends to enforce state regulations on sports betting.

DeWine also expressed disgust with what he's witnessed in the few days since the first bet was taken January 1.

“The companies that are doing the massive advertising need to be aware that they’re being looked at very closely by the governor and the Casino Control Commission in regard to statements that they are making,” DeWine said. “We believe that at least on several occasions they’ve already crossed the line. My message to them is that this will not be tolerated in the State of Ohio.”

DeWine declined to elaborate what he meant by “several occasions.”

DeWine told reporters on Tuesday that he’s shared his concerns directly with the executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

The Ohio Governor appeared to be referencing DraftKings.

That company reportedly mailed out roughly 150,000 ads for which around 2,500 advertisements went to people under the age of 21, a group that is not allowed to gamble legally in Ohio.

Regulators say that DraftKings is facing a potential $350,000 fine.

“The commission has been very clear about the rules and standards for sports gaming advertising with the industry, and are disappointed with the lack of compliance we have seen despite reminders,” Matt Schuler, the executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, said in a prepared statement. “While we do not take administrative action lightly, DraftKings’ conduct in this case warrants the commission’s intervention to ensure the integrity of sports gaming.”

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com