Ohio sports betting operator DraftKings has been hit with a $425,000 fine for allowing bets on college athletes, breaking a recent rule against such wagers. The Ohio Casino Control Commission imposed the fine after DraftKings processed thousands of bets totaling $2.5 million between January 2023 and March 2024. DraftKings has since promised to rectify the issue by turning off betting options for specific college athletes in Ohio, canceling losing bets, and refunding the money to bettors.
Ohio recently banned prop bets on college athletes to prevent harassment and ensure the fairness of games. The NCAA President has called on other states to implement similar restrictions to protect student-athletes. Wyoming has taken a proactive stance by updating its anti-harassment rules to ban individuals who harass athletes from sports betting. This move aims to safeguard college athletes in the state and discourage aggressive behavior among bettors.
The Ohio fine will be deposited into a sports gaming fund that supports schools in the state. Meanwhile, DraftKings has not issued a public response regarding the penalty. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of regulating sports betting, particularly when it comes to protecting college athletes from undue influence and harassment. If successful, Wyoming’s approach may serve as a model for other states looking to safeguard the integrity of collegiate sports.
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