Massachusetts requires age warnings on stadium sports betting logos
Massachusetts regulators voted Thursday to require sports betting operators to use specific language on logos displayed at sports venues. This information is intended to make it clear that betting is only allowed to persons aged 21 and over.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted 3-2 in favor of the policy change, becoming the first U.S. state to require sportsbooks to display such warnings on stand-alone logos. Sportsbooks will have 90 days to comply with the new rules after they are officially released on Friday.
The rule will apply to sports betting standalone logos at venues such as Fenway Park, where minors may encounter the brand.
Thursday's vote capped months of deliberations and public comments on how to limit sports betting marketing efforts that could impact people too young to place bets.
Sports Ground Only
Sports betting ads in Massachusetts must include a disclaimer clarifying that individuals must be 21 years or older to participate.
The change applies to similar requirements for stand-alone logos displayed in sports venues. Commissioners suggested at Thursday's meeting that the new requirement could be met by something as simple as adding "21+" to sports betting logos.
This change only applies to fixed signage and not to other parts of the logo, such as apparel, letterhead, or business cards. And it would be limited to displays in sports venues, limiting earlier proposals to apply to all public sign displays.
Worst Affected Fanatics
Commissioners noted that the rule change could have a significant impact on Fanatics, which uses the same logo for its sports betting and apparel businesses.
Fanatics will either have to design a separate logo, used only for its sportsbooks, like Barstool Sportsbook has done, or if it chooses to be consistent, it will have to add a 21+ disclaimer mark to all instances of its logo in the stadium. became the hallmark of all its brands.
A Fanatics spokesperson declined to comment on the rule change when contacted
Commissioners Eileen O'Brien, Nakisha Skinner and Jordan Maynard voted in favor of the new request, while Chairwoman Cathy Judd Stein Cathy Judd-Stein and Commissioner Bradford R. Hill opposed it.
Judd-Stein said she was concerned the rule was too onerous because there was no evidence it would be effective in stopping young people from betting on sports.
“We really go above and beyond what our colleagues are doing across the country,” she told Thursday’s meeting.
Read also:
- Games Industry Research: Carbon Emissions of Top Video Games
- U.S. cities with the most Swifties per capita
- Blackjack Casino Advantage: How to Beat the Odds
- Football 101: What is relegation in football?
Source: www.casino.org
