Penn Entertainment, the parent company of Penn Sports Interactive and Barstool Sports, is facing a $250,000 fine after an alleged violation of Ohio sports betting regulations against advertising on or targeting a college campus and/or individuals under the age of 21.

The alleged violation still needs to be voted on by the Ohio Casino Control Commission before the fine is imposed.

The violation, sent to Penn Sports Interactive as part of its Barstool Sportsbook brand, stems from a Nov. 15, 2022, Barstool College Football show in the state.

PENN alleged to targeting Ohio colleges, underage customers

Executive Director Matt Schuler said Penn Sports Interactive will have a hearing in front of the Ohio Casino Control Commission for the alleged violations. The commission, he said, takes these violations very seriously.

The alleged violations stemmed from a Nov. 15, 2022, Barstool College Football show “on, or targeting the area of, the University of Toledo’s Campus.” During the show, the violation notice alleges that Barstool advertised the Barstool Sportsbook by promoting pre-registration for the sportsbook, including bonus cash and “mycash” rewards for PENN Entertainment casinos. It also said Barstool targeted individuals under the age of 21 in the same way during the show.

“Penn Sports Interactive has a right to a hearing and due process,” Schuler said.

Any action taken against Penn Sports Interactive will be voted on during a public meeting of the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Ohio Casino Control Commission approves licenses

The Ohio Casino Control Commission also approved several online sports betting service provider and retail sports betting provider licenses during Wednesday morning’s meeting.

Two notable operators approved to offer sports betting services were BallyBet and Underdog Sports Betting. BallyBet has partnered with the Cleveland Browns to offer its retail and online sports betting services while Underdog Sports Wagering has partnered with the Cincinnati Reds for its online services.

Additionally, the commission approved Out the Gate Inc. as a retail and online sports betting provider for Spire Institute and Digital Gaming Corporation as an online sports betting provider for Belterra Park.

The Commission, however, will issue a notice of intent to deny PlayUp’s application as an online service provider for Jack Cleveland Casino. During a license suitability investigation, the commission uncovered information of potential illegal gambling activity from the operator.

The operator will not be licensed or allowed to operate in Ohio until the matter is resolved. Schuler said PlayUp has already request a hearing on the decision.

According to a release from PlayUp, the Ohio Casino Control Commission’s concerns were with a pari-mutuel slots+ product, which was being operated in conjunction with third party Potent Systems Inc. under a North Dakota pari-mutuel wagering license held by Lien Games Racing, LLC.

“PlayUp has taken the OCCC request with utmost seriousness. We are committed to full compliance with all Ohio laws and have suspended the product indefinitely,” a representative from the company said.

Universal start date remains Jan. 1

Finally, Schuler mentioned that the state’s universal sports betting launch date will remain on Sunday, Jan. 1, at 12:01 a.m., despite rumors going around the Buckeye State that the commission was considering accelerating its launch.

These reports are false, he said, and the universal start date will remain for Jan. 1. The start date was chosen to give every operator, no matter if they’re a Type A, Type B, or Type C sports betting license holder, the same opportunity to launch at the same time.