SharpRank’s weekly updates on Compliance, Audit, Legislation, Ethics, & Regulation within the Sports Betting Industry.
Topics 2/26/25:
- Plainridge Park Casino Issues Warning Over Fake Online Gambling Ads
- Connecticut Lawmakers Push to Ban Gambling Ads on College Campuses
- Maryland Debates Online Casino Legalization Amid Growing Underground Market
- Kentucky Slashes Sports Betting Enforcement Ahead of March Madness
- ROGA Launches ‘Know Your Play’ to Educate College Students on Responsible Gambling
Plainridge Park Casino Issues Warning Over Fake Online Gambling Ads
Plainridge Park Casino in Massachusetts is warning players about fake online gaming advertisements that falsely claim an affiliation with the casino. The fraudulent ads promote an online casino that does not exist, tricking users into providing personal information. The casino clarified that it does not offer online gaming and urged the public to remain vigilant against scams using its branding.
Connecticut Lawmakers Push to Ban Gambling Ads on College Campuses
House Bill 5271 seeks to prohibit gaming-related advertising and promotions at Connecticut’s public universities to protect students from aggressive marketing, particularly those under the legal gambling age. Supporters, including Paul Tarbox of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, argue the bill is necessary to prevent problem gambling among college students. However, UConn officials oppose provisions that could threaten corporate sponsorships, such as Mohegan Sun branding in athletic venues. Lawmakers continue to debate the balance between consumer protection and financial impacts on universities as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Maryland Debates Online Casino Legalization Amid Growing Underground Market
The Maryland House Ways and Means Committee is reviewing HB 17, a bill introduced by Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, to bring online gambling under state oversight. Supporters argue that legalizing iGaming could generate tax revenue, enhance consumer protections, and create new jobs, similar to Maryland’s successful sports betting market. However, major casino operators like Cordish Companies and PENN Entertainment oppose the bill, citing potential job losses and cannibalization of brick-and-mortar casino revenue. With the legislative deadline approaching, the decision on Maryland’s iGaming future remains uncertain.
Kentucky Slashes Sports Betting Enforcement Ahead of March Madness
A month before March Madness, Kentucky has significantly downsized its sports betting enforcement team, despite handling $2.6 billion in wagers last year. The restructuring has reduced regulatory staff to just four employees, sparking concerns over compliance, responsible gaming, and fraud prevention. Experts warn that this “light touch” regulatory approach could lead to predatory practices and decreased consumer protection. With Kentucky’s gambling industry expanding to include charitable gaming in July, critics argue that a weaker enforcement presence could expose the market to integrity risks and regulatory failures.
ROGA Launches ‘Know Your Play’ to Educate College Students on Responsible Gambling
ROGA, in collaboration with Epic Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and the Responsible Gambling Council, has launched the “Know Your Play” campaign aimed at college students. The initiative will provide educational content on responsible gaming, mental health, and financial literacy, equipping students with tools to make informed gambling decisions. The campaign will feature digital resources, workshops, and in-person learning sessions at select universities, ensuring broad accessibility. By addressing common gambling myths and promoting healthy financial habits, the program seeks to reduce gambling-related harm and encourage students to view gaming as entertainment rather than a financial strategy.
Click here to read our latest blog post: Efficient Market Hypothesis in Sports Betting
