ComplianceUnited States · Ohio
Ohio advertising rules
The advertising rules that apply to gambling in Ohio, and how the Playbook RG library maps to them: required disclosures, prohibited content, and channel-by-channel guidance. Educational reference, not legal advice.
- Tier
- 1
- Odds format
- American
- Currency
- USD
- Sports culture
- US major leagues
- Language
- English (US)
- Reading level
- Grade 9–12
- Channels
- Blog, In app
- Tone
- Confident informative
- Audience
- General
- Game types
- Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Sports betting, Video poker
- Last updated
- 2026-03-22
Cultural profile
- Voice: Peer
- Framing: Individual
- Humor: Irreverent
- Directness: Blunt
- Comfort: Open
Adaptation · Base Advertising rules are jurisdiction-specific regulatory content. Ohio has prescriptive sports gaming advertising rules (OAC 3775-16-08) and plan-based casino advertising requirements (OAC 3772-12-06). On-brand disclosure examples need cultural adaptation for non-US markets.
Quick-scan index
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Ohio’s prescriptive standard | OAC 3775-16-08 framework |
| Casino advertising requirements | OAC 3772-12-06 plan-based approach |
| AGA Responsible Gaming Code | Industry self-regulatory overlay |
| Channel-by-channel rules | Broadcast, digital, print, direct, in-venue, sponsorship |
| Prohibited content | What you cannot say or show |
| Required disclosures | What must appear in advertising |
| Direct advertising requirements | Opt-out, targeting, electronic mail |
| Playbook RG content compliance matrix | Which templates are compliant as-is |
Ohio’s prescriptive standard
Two advertising regimes
Ohio has separate advertising frameworks for casinos and sports gaming:
| Regime | Regulation | Approach | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino advertising | OAC 3772-12-06 | Plan-based – advertising included in commission-approved problem gambling plan | Operator proposes; OCCC approves |
| Sports gaming advertising | OAC 3775-16-08 | Prescriptive – specific content requirements apply to all advertising | Rules apply automatically; no pre-approval |
OAC 3775-16-08 – Sports gaming advertising
This is Ohio’s primary advertising regulation for sports gaming. Unlike Nevada’s principles-based approach (Reg 5.011(1)(d)), Ohio specifies exactly what must and must not appear in advertisements.
Content requirements
Every sports gaming advertisement must:
| Requirement | Details | Regulatory basis |
|---|---|---|
| Convey conditions of play | Cost to participate, nature of promotions, odds of winning | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Specify material conditions | Any material conditions or limiting factors must be clearly and conspicuously specified | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Include prevention message | Clearly and conspicuously include messages designed to prevent problem gambling | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Include helpline information | Provide information about how to access resources, including the NCPG 24-hour helpline or problem gambling helpline | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Disclose proprietor identity | Identify the sports gaming proprietor, mobile management services provider, or management services provider | OAC 3775-16-08 |
Small-format advertising exception
If an advertisement is not of sufficient size or duration to permit inclusion of the above information:
The advertisement shall refer to a website or application that does prominently include such information within one click.
This means operators can use shortened ads (social media posts, brief digital placements) as long as they link to a page with full disclosures.
How OCCC enforces
- OCCC has actively enforced advertising requirements since sports gaming launched in January 2023
- Sportsbooks have been publicly warned and penalized for non-compliance
- Enforcement is proactive – OCCC monitors advertising content, not just complaint-driven
- Penalties can include fines, licence conditions, and suspension
Casino advertising requirements
OAC 3772-12-06 – Problem gambling plan
Casino advertising is governed through the operator’s compulsive and problem gambling plan, which must be submitted to and approved by the OCCC before implementation. The plan must include:
| Plan element | Advertising relevance |
|---|---|
| Procedures for disordered and problem gambling behavior | Must cover loyalty and rewards program marketing |
| Advertising and outreach | Must educate the general public about disordered and problem gambling |
| Quarterly updates | Casino operators must report on plan adherence including advertising compliance |
| Annual report | Comprehensive report to OCCC including gambling-related harm data |
Key difference from sports gaming
Casino advertising rules are plan-based: the operator proposes its advertising approach, and the OCCC approves or modifies it. This gives operators some flexibility in how they advertise, but the OCCC must approve the plan before implementation.
Sports gaming advertising rules are prescriptive: the rules apply to all operators automatically, with no pre-approval process.
AGA Responsible Gaming Code
The American Gaming Association (AGA) Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct applies to Ohio operators that are AGA members. While not legally binding, it represents industry best practices:
| AGA principle | Ohio regulatory requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible advertising | OAC 3775-16-08 (sports); OAC 3772-12-06 (casino) | Ohio rules are more detailed than AGA principles |
| No targeting minors | OAC 3775-16-08 – must not target under-21 | Aligned |
| Helpline in ads | OAC 3775-16-08 – helpline required in all sports ads | Aligned |
| No misleading claims | OAC 3775-16-08 – conditions, odds, and material factors required | Aligned |
| Self-exclusion | OAC 3772-12-04 – cease all direct marketing to excluded individuals | Aligned and stronger (15-day deadline) |
Ohio’s prescriptive rules generally meet or exceed AGA voluntary standards.
Channel-by-channel rules
Ohio’s advertising rules under OAC 3775-16-08 apply uniformly across channels for sports gaming. The key variable is whether the advertisement has sufficient size or duration for full disclosures.
| Channel | Key requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcast (TV) | Prevention message + helpline in ad; conditions of play conveyed | End card recommended for helpline display |
| Broadcast (radio) | Prevention message + helpline spoken; conditions conveyed | Verbal helpline reference required |
| Digital (display/video) | Prevention message + helpline; if insufficient size, link to full info within one click | Banner ads may use link-out exception |
| Digital (social media) | Prevention message + helpline; link to full info acceptable for short-form | Stories/posts can reference landing page |
| Prevention message + helpline; conditions, odds, and material factors | Full disclosures in all print ads | |
| Direct marketing (email) | Prevention message + helpline; opt-out method required; electronic opt-out within 15 days | Must include email or linked website for opt-out |
| Direct marketing (mail/SMS) | Prevention message + helpline; opt-out method clearly described | 15-day action window on opt-out requests |
| In-venue (casino) | Per commission-approved problem gambling plan; signage per OAC 3772-12-06 | Treatment info + voluntary exclusion |
| In-venue (sportsbook) | OAC 3775-16-08 applies to all visible advertising | Prevention message + helpline on all signage |
| Sponsorship | Same OAC 3775-16-08 requirements apply to sponsored content | Must not target prohibited groups |
Prohibited content
All sports gaming advertisements are prohibited from:
| Prohibition | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Targeting under-21 | Must not target individuals under the age of twenty-one | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Targeting ineligible persons | Must not target individuals who are ineligible to participate in sports gaming | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Targeting problem gamblers | Must not target individuals with gambling problems | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Targeting vulnerable individuals | Must not target other vulnerable individuals | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Promoting irresponsible play | Must not promote irresponsible or excessive participation in sports gaming | OAC 3775-16-08 |
| Guaranteeing success | Must not suggest that social, financial, or personal success is guaranteed by engaging in sports gaming | OAC 3775-16-08 |
Additional prohibitions (casino – via plan)
Casino operators’ problem gambling plans must address marketing in the context of disordered gambling. While specific prohibitions depend on the OCCC-approved plan, best practices include:
- No marketing to individuals on the Time Out Ohio voluntary exclusion list (required per OAC 3772-12-04)
- No credit extension marketing to excluded individuals
- Loyalty program marketing must have procedures for disordered gambling behavior
Required disclosures
Sports gaming advertising (OAC 3775-16-08)
| Disclosure | Requirement | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Problem gambling prevention | Message designed to prevent problem gambling | All sports ads |
| Helpline | NCPG 24-hour helpline or problem gambling helpline | All sports ads |
| Proprietor identity | Sports gaming proprietor, mobile management services, or management services provider | All sports ads |
| Cost to participate | Information about the cost to participate | All sports ads |
| Nature of promotions | Clearly conveyed | All sports ads |
| Odds of winning | Information to assist patrons in understanding odds | All sports ads |
| Material conditions | Any limiting factors clearly and conspicuously specified | All sports ads |
| Opt-out method | Clear, conspicuous method for opting out of future ads | Direct ads only |
Casino venue (OAC 3772-12-06)
| Disclosure | Requirement | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment information | Information on gambling treatment | Casino signage |
| Voluntary exclusion | Information about the Time Out Ohio program | Casino signage |
| Problem gambling helpline | 1-800-589-9966 displayed | VLT facilities (racinos) throughout |
Direct advertising requirements
OAC 3775-16-08 includes specific requirements for direct advertising (ads sent to specific individuals):
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Opt-out method | Each direct advertisement must clearly and conspicuously describe a method by which an individual may opt out of receiving future advertisements |
| Electronic opt-out | If sent via electronic mail, the opt-out method must include either electronic mail or a linked online website |
| Action timeline | Sports gaming proprietor must act upon an opt-out request within fifteen days to ensure the individual will no longer receive advertisements |
| Self-excluded persons | Must cease all direct marketing to Time Out Ohio participants within 15 days of receiving exclusion notice (OAC 3772-12-04) |
Playbook RG content compliance matrix
Assessment of which Playbook RG templates are Ohio-compliant as-is:
| Template | Ohio-compliant? | Adaptation needed |
|---|---|---|
| Game guides (HTP cards) | Yes | No changes needed – educational content with no advertising claims |
| Core messages | Yes, with adaptation | Add Ohio helpline (1-800-589-9966) where helpline tokens are used |
| Myth-busting | Yes | No changes needed – factual corrections are compliant |
| CTAs | Review needed | Ensure no CTAs suggest guaranteed success or promote excessive play |
| Posters | Yes, with adaptation | Replace helpline with Ohio number; add prevention message |
| Venue signage | Yes, with adaptation | Include treatment info and Time Out Ohio reference per OAC 3772-12-06 |
| Email templates | Yes, with adaptation | Add Ohio helpline in footer; ensure opt-out method per OAC 3775-16-08 if sports-related |
| Social cards | Review needed | May need small-format exception (link to landing page with full disclosures) |
| RG page | Yes, with adaptation | Add Ohio helpline, Time Out Ohio details, and Ohio-specific resources |
| Staff FAQ | Yes, with adaptation | Add Time Out Ohio Q&A and Ohio helpline |
| Conversation scripts | Yes, with adaptation | Add Ohio helpline in referral scripts; add Time Out Ohio enrollment |
On-brand disclosure examples
Sports gaming promotion (email):
This week’s odds boost: Bengals +150 vs. Ravens
Place your bet with [Operator Name].
Odds may change. Must be 21+. Ohio only. T&Cs apply at [website]. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-589-9966 (24/7, free, confidential). Text 4hope to 741741. [Unsubscribe link]
Sports gaming promotion (social media – short form):
Bengals +150 this Sunday. Bet now at [Operator]. 21+ | Gambling problem? 1-800-589-9966 | Full terms at [link]
Casino venue signage (Playbook RG approach):
Play on your terms. Set your limits. Know the odds. Need a break? Time Out Ohio covers every casino, racino, and sportsbook in the state: timeoutohio.com Free, confidential support 24/7: 1-800-589-9966 | Text 4hope to 741741
Comparison with other US jurisdictions
| Rule | Ohio (OAC 3775-16-08) | Nevada (Reg 5.011(1)(d)) | Massachusetts (205 CMR 256) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Prescriptive | Principles-based | Prescriptive |
| Prevention message | Required in all sports ads | Not specifically required (general signage only) | Required in all sports wagering ads |
| Helpline in ads | Required (NCPG or state helpline) | Not required in ads (required on signage) | Required (MA helpline with font size minimums) |
| Font size requirements | Not specified | Not specified | Yes (2% print, 5% billboard, 8% video end screen) |
| Proprietor disclosure | Required | Not specified | Required |
| Anti-targeting | Under-21, problem gamblers, vulnerable | Under-21 (NRS 463.0129) | Under-21 (25% audience threshold), at-risk |
| Direct ad opt-out | 15-day window | Not specified | Required |
| Pre-approval | No (sports); yes (casino plan) | No | No |
| Enforcement | Proactive monitoring | Complaint-driven | Active enforcement |
Cross-references: Ohio compliance module | Nevada advertising rules | Messaging Framework – Warning Statement Standards | Application Guidelines
More in United States
Educational mapping, not legal advice. Verify against the cited regulations and with counsel.