USA coalition forms for responsible sports betting ads as legalisation and revenue rise
As the legalisation of sports betting spreads nationwide, a coalition of the nation’s top professional leagues and media companies, led by the NFL’s vice president of public policy and government affairs, Jonathan Nabavi, are coming together to tackle the issues of irresponsible sports-betting advertising.
The coalition for responsible sports betting advertising
The coalition, known as The Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising, will regulate sports-betting advertising as it floods television, internet and print media.
The National Council on Problem Gambling has commended the coalition.
With thirty-three states and the District of Columbia launching legal betting markets since a landmark 2018 U.S. Supreme Court case paved the way for any state to offer legal sports wagering, commercial sports-betting revenue hit a high of $7.5 billion in 2022, a nearly 75% increase from 2021’s record of $4.3 billion, according to the American Gaming Association. As sports betting becomes legal in more states, opponents worry that its advertising targets minors.
The coalition describes itself as voluntary and said it will work to ensure sports-betting advertising only targets adults of legal betting age; does not promote excessive or irresponsible gambling habits; remains in good taste; and isn’t misleading. The group also calls for publishers to implement appropriate internal reviews of advertisements and to review consumer complaints.
“Legalised sports betting offers fans another way to engage with their favourite sports,” said David Highhill, general manager of sports betting for the NFL. “But just as we must support problem-gambling prevention and resourcing, we must also remain mindful of how sports betting is presented and advertised to consumers, and this coalition should greatly aid in that cause.”
The National Council on Problem Gambling has commended the coalition and promised to work in collaboration with it to “better mitigate problem gambling related harm.”
Revenue in Connecticut reaches a new high
Since sports betting became legalised back in October 2021, March’s handle marks the fifth-highest total reached in the Nutmeg State — also up 17.6% from February.
According to figures from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, online sports betting sites and retail wagers combined hit $160 million, up 17.6% from February. That handle also represented a 14% year-over-year increase. Connecticut sportsbooks also saw gross gaming revenue jump from $8.55 million in the previous month to a 2023 high of $16.5 million in March.
Mobile operators FanDuel, DraftKings, and SugarHouse enjoyed the robust March Madness market to bounce back from a lacklustre February for Connecticut sports betting. DraftKings led the way with a $68.5 million handle in March, which was $11 million more than the previous month. FanDuel followed closely behind after it took in $65.7 million in sports wagers and outpaced its rival in revenue by claiming $7.4 million in winnings compared to DraftKings’ $6.8 million.
SugarHouse, which is wrapping up operations in Connecticut soon, brought in a handle of $15.7 million to produce revenue of nearly $1.3 million for an 8% win rate.
March marked the end of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation’s partnership with Rush Interactive, which runs SugarHouse, but the sportsbook will continue to operate until a replacement is found. CLC announced last week is beginning the process of receiving proposals for a new sports betting and daily fantasy sports operator.
Connecticut received $9.7 million in sports wagers from retail with revenue of $1 million. Connecticut’s sports betting industry saw strong growth during March, driven by the success of mobile operators and a surge in handle. Despite concerns around excessive and irresponsible gambling habits, the state is moving forward with its legalised market, and operators are looking forward to continued success in the months to come.
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