Ohio Enacts Fantasy Sports Legislation

January 4, 2018

fantasy-sports
Ohio Fantasy Sports

Shortly before the end of 2017, Ohio governor John Kasich signed into law fantasy sports legislation that expressly legalizes and regulates fantasy sports contests and their operators within the State.

What are some notable provisions of Ohio’s fantasy sports law?

Tracking in substance recently-enacted fantasy sports legislation in other jurisdictions, Ohio’s fantasy sports law is familiar to those in the space that have followed nationwide developments.  These regulations include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Licensure requirements, with currently undetermined application and renewal fees;
  • Prevention of employees and certain family members from participating in contests and sharing confidential information with third parties;
  • Requirement that operators prohibit contest participation by minors;
  • Requirement that operators establish a maximum number of entries that a participant can submit to a single contest;
  • Strict record retention requirements to allow for State review, including all records used to advertise and promote fantasy sports contests in the State; and
  • Requirement that operators submit to audits.

Ohio’s fantasy sports law affords wide discretion to the State Casino Control Commission to implement additional regulations including, among other things, the discretion to determine the criteria for licensure and the corresponding application and renewal fees associated with such licensure.

Evolution of Fantasy Sports Regulations and the Ongoing Need for a Fantasy Sports Lawyer

Ohio has now officially joined the bloc of states whose governing and regulatory bodies have allowed operators to legally conduct business in their respective jurisdictions.  Please note, however, that each state that has enacted such regulations has implemented unique requirements in one way or another.  As such, it is critical that fantasy sports operators continue to maintain a keen eye on the developing legal landscape.  If operators are to effectively navigate this rapidly changing regulatory framework, it is imperative to work closely with knowledgeable fantasy sports lawyers to regularly review their respective contest platforms, entry fees, prize structures and marketing campaigns.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic or pursuing a fantasy sports venture, please e-mail us at info@kleinmoynihan.com, or call us at (212) 246-0900.

The material contained herein is provided for information purposes only and is not legal advice, nor is it a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney.  Each situation is unique, and you should not act or rely on any information contained herein without seeking the advice of an experienced attorney. 

Attorney Advertising 

Connecticut Takes Major Step Towards Fantasy Sports Legalization 

Fantasy Sports Lawyer Analysis of Pennsylvania’s New Daily Fantasy Sports Law 

New Jersey Fantasy Sports Law Enacted

Share:

David Klein

David Klein is one of the most recognized attorneys in the technology, Internet marketing, sweepstakes, and telecommunications fields. Skilled at counseling clients on a broad range of technology-related matters, David Klein has substantial experience in negotiating and drafting complex licensing, marketing and Internet agreements.
tcpa compliance telemarketing consumer tcpa law cell phone business men deal

5 TCPA Compliance Tips

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) is a federal statute that was enacted in 1991 to safeguard consumer privacy through the regulation of certain telemarketing

Read More »

Trending Topics

tcpa compliance telemarketing consumer tcpa law cell phone business men deal
Blog

5 TCPA Compliance Tips

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) is a federal statute that was enacted in 1991 to safeguard consumer privacy through the regulation of certain telemarketing

Read More »