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Ohio officially launched legal sports betting on January 1st as the new year commenced.
Since the stroke of midnight in 2025, the southeastern neighbor of Michigan has been rapidly progressing.
In addition to the positive aspects, there have also been negative consequences. Several prominent operators have been slapped with hefty fines in the first week.
With Ohio imposing hefty six-figure penalties, it raises the question of how Michigan deals with comparable scenarios.
BetMGM, Caesars and DraftKings face fines in Ohio
Within days of its launch, the Ohio Casino Control Commission imposed substantial six-figure fines on three prominent entities in the sports betting sector.
Rules surrounding advertising and promotion were found to have been violated by BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.
The OCCC claims that the three operators reportedly violated advertising guidelines by not appropriately showcasing responsible gambling messaging in their ads, including the omission of a problem gambling helpline.
The operators were found to have included the terms “free” or “risk-free” in their promotional offers to attract new customers, which is against the advertising regulations set by the OCCC.
OCCC Executive Director Matt Schuler stated in a press release that despite numerous reminders about advertising and promotion regulations, the sports gaming industry in Ohio persists in disregarding the law. As a result, the Commission is compelled to take administrative action to ensure compliance among operators. The Commission places great importance on responsible gambling and anticipates the industry to share the same values.
Each company is being sought a fine of $150,000 by the commission.
DraftKings is facing its second six-figure fine since its launch, with a penalty of $350,000 for sending advertisements to individuals below the legal age of 21.
How does the MGCB handle sportsbook and casino fines?
While Ohio adheres to predetermined fine amounts for violations, the Michigan Gaming Control Board takes a slightly distinct approach.
According to Mary Kay Bean, Communications Specialist for the MGCB, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Betting Act entrust the board with overall responsibility for executing the acts. This includes the power to revoke or suspend licenses and registrations, as well as impose fines deemed necessary and in accordance with the relevant laws of the state.
The MGCB does not follow a predetermined set of criteria for imposing fines on violations. Instead, it evaluates each violation individually and grants the authority to the Board to handle it accordingly.
Bean explained that the LIGA and LSBA, along with their corresponding regulations, do not explicitly state the exact fines for violations. However, in the event of an alleged violation, the MGCB executive director would conduct an investigation and subsequently propose a suitable fine to the Board, which would then vote on the recommendation during a public meeting.
Since the launch of online gambling in January 2021, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has released only a limited number of public violation reports.
The MGCB’s recent focus on eradicating illegal gambling across the state has resulted in numerous public violations and corresponding fines.
In September of 2015, the MGCB issued fines to a gambling operator, marking their most recent notable penalties. Greektown Casino, LLC was directed by the MGCB to pay a sum of $529,500 in fines for committing 25 violations within the period of 2010-2014.
When does the MGCB hold its meetings?
There are six public board meetings held by the MGCB annually. These meetings are usually scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month, with each meeting commencing at 9:30 a.m.
At every meeting, the MGCB will provide supplier and operator licenses, along with approving new key individuals for licensed companies and organizations.
At the board meetings, the MGCB will also address any possible violations committed by a licensed operation or worker.
The public is not informed about the specific details of the violations. Instead, the board members receive reports of the violations, which they subsequently evaluate and decide on the appropriate punishment, if necessary.
The board meetings for 2025 have been scheduled in advance.
- Feb. 21
- April 11
- June 13
- Aug. 8
You have two options for attending meetings: in person at Cadillac Place, located at 3062 West Grand Boulevard, Suite L-700, Detroit, MI 48202, or virtually via Zoom.
The meeting agenda will be provided by the MGCB on their website one day before the scheduled meeting.
