Ohio Administrative Code Title 3775 - Ohio Casino Control Commission - Sports Gaming

Overview of Ohio Administrative Code Title 3775 — Ohio Casino Control Commission: Sports Gaming

Purpose and Scope

Title 3775 governs the regulation and oversight of sports gaming in Ohio by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). This Title implements the framework for licensing, operating, and regulating sports gaming activities as authorized by Ohio law, primarily under the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3775, which was enacted following the legalization of sports gaming in Ohio.

The purpose is to ensure sports gaming is conducted honestly, transparently, and fairly, while protecting consumers and preserving the integrity of the gaming industry.

Key Provisions of OAC Title 3775 — Sports Gaming

1. Licensing

Establishes requirements for obtaining various licenses related to sports gaming, including sports gaming operators, suppliers, key employees, and associated individuals.

Licensing includes background investigations, financial disclosures, and compliance with suitability standards.

The Commission has discretion to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for cause.

2. Sports Gaming Operator Responsibilities

Operators must maintain the integrity of sports gaming activities by implementing systems to prevent fraud, collusion, and cheating.

Operators are required to maintain accurate records, submit reports, and allow Commission audits and inspections.

They must comply with consumer protection requirements such as clear disclosure of terms, responsible gaming programs, and mechanisms for dispute resolution.

3. Sports Wagering Rules

Specifies the types of wagers allowed (e.g., moneyline bets, point spreads, totals).

Sets rules on minimum and maximum wagers, payment processing, and restrictions on wagering (e.g., no wagering on youth sports).

Addresses live in-game betting, cash-out options, and limits on betting to prevent problem gambling.

4. Advertising and Marketing

Regulates advertising to ensure it is not misleading or targeted to minors.

Requires that marketing materials include responsible gaming messages.

5. Compliance and Enforcement

The Commission may conduct investigations and impose disciplinary actions for violations.

Enforcement tools include fines, license suspension or revocation, and civil penalties.

There are procedures for hearings and appeals to ensure due process for licensees.

6. Data Security and Integrity

Operators must employ robust data security measures to protect customer information.

Integrity of sports gaming data is critical, with requirements for secure data transmission and storage.

Relevant Case Law and Legal Principles

1. Commission’s Authority to Regulate Sports Gaming

Although relatively new in Ohio, courts have generally recognized the OCCC’s broad authority to regulate gaming activities under state law.

The Commission’s decisions on licensing and disciplinary matters are given deference, provided they follow statutory and administrative procedural requirements.

2. Licensing Decisions and Due Process

Courts require that license denials or disciplinary actions comply with due process, including notice, hearing, and opportunity to appeal.

For example, in analogous gaming regulation cases, Ohio courts have held that administrative agencies must provide adequate procedural safeguards before depriving a licensee of their rights.

3. Consumer Protection and Fraud Prevention

The OCCC’s mandate to protect consumers from fraud and unfair practices aligns with Ohio’s broader regulatory framework.

In gaming-related litigation, courts have emphasized the importance of transparency, fair dealing, and accurate disclosures to consumers.

4. Privacy and Data Security

Compliance with data security requirements protects consumers and is increasingly enforced in regulatory and judicial contexts.

Breaches or failures to protect customer information can result in administrative penalties and civil liability.

Summary

TopicSummary
AgencyOhio Casino Control Commission (OCCC)
AuthorityOAC Title 3775 and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3775
ScopeLicensing, operation, and regulation of sports gaming in Ohio
LicensingRequirements for operators, suppliers, employees; background checks and suitability
Operational RulesPermitted wager types, limits, reporting, consumer protections
AdvertisingRestrictions to prevent misleading ads and targeting minors
EnforcementInvestigations, fines, license actions, due process
Data SecurityRequirements for protecting customer information and ensuring data integrity
Case Law ThemesDeference to Commission’s authority, due process in licensing, consumer protection

Closing Notes

OAC Title 3775 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework ensuring that sports gaming in Ohio is lawful, transparent, and fair. The Ohio Casino Control Commission plays a critical role in licensing and oversight, balancing industry growth with public protection.

Because sports gaming regulation is relatively recent in Ohio, case law is still developing but follows well-established administrative law principles related to gaming control and consumer protection.

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