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Can I offer contests that involve loyalty programs in Ohio? What are the requirements?

To offer contests that involve loyalty programs in Ohio, the following requirements must be met:

Player Against Player Contests

  1. The contest must be a player against player contest as defined in OHAC Rule 3772-14-01.
  2. The contest must be conducted using only commission-approved electronic gaming equipment, table games, and table game equipment unless otherwise approved by the executive director.
  3. The contest must be conducted in a separate room or area segregated within the gaming floor, unless otherwise approved by the executive director.
  4. The casino operator may only offer a player against player contest in the manner it is described in written, dated rules that must contain, at a minimum, the information listed in OHAC Rule 3772-14-01(G).
  5. The casino operator shall keep a complete record of the names of all entrants, all prizes awarded, and prize winners for each player against player contest, unless it was designated as a perpetual event, as required by OHAC Rule 3772-14-01(J).
  6. The casino operator shall have written procedures for collecting a rake, including entry fees or other consideration, during the conduct of player against player contests, as required by OHAC Rule 3772-14-02(A).
  7. Winnings paid in a tournament shall be deductible from gross casino gaming revenue, but any such deduction shall not exceed the total rake, including entry fees or other consideration, received for the tournament and non-cash winnings shall be deductible only to the dollar value of the amount invoiced to and paid by the casino operator, as required by OHAC Rule 3772-14-02(B).

Fantasy Contest Licensing Requirements

Alternatively, you may apply for a fantasy contest license under OHAC Rule 3772-74-06. The licensing requirements include submitting a completed application, providing additional information as requested by the executive director, and paying a non-refundable fee. The executive director may recommend to the commission to deny any application or limit, condition, restrict, suspend, or revoke any license or impose any fine or other penalty upon any licensee or other person in accordance with fantasy contest law. Additionally, the applicant’s reputation, experience, and financial integrity, as well as compliance history with fantasy contest-related requirements in Ohio or any other jurisdiction, may be considered in determining eligibility for licensure.

Prohibited Activities

It is important to note that offering contests without a valid license or failing to comply with fantasy contest law may result in administrative action, including fines or license revocation. Prohibited activities include offering auto draft functionality to players, allowing players to choose from pre-selected rosters of athletes, and offering proposition selection or fantasy contests that mimic proposition selection, among others, as outlined in OHAC Rule 3772-74-11.

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Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Ohio