Gamblers in the Buckeye State could be getting gift cards to sports betting sites this Christmas.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) announced Monday that its executive director decided that gift cards can now be an acceptable way to fund accounts for legal sportsbooks. The cards must follow the Ohio sports betting rules for advertising and responsible gambling, among other things.
“Gift card funds applied for gaming in Ohio may only be used with an established sports gaming or casino gaming account in accordance with the rules adopted by the Commission,” the regulator said in an email to stakeholders. “Gift cards must be purchased and redeemed by only those over the age of 21, must contain conspicuous responsible gambling messaging, including a helpline number, and the name or names of the sports gaming operator for which it can be redeemed.”
Have a bet on me
The decision by the casino control commission now means that bettors in Ohio can fund their sportsbook accounts with all of the usual methods, such as credit and debit cards, but with gift cards as well. That could provide operators with another way to entice bettors onto their platforms or perhaps for bettors to give each other the gift of legal sports betting.
Bookmakers will still need permission from the OCCC before any cards get gifted.
“Operators must contact the Commission regarding any gift card product prior to marketing or using that product,” an FAQ on the regulator website notes.
