Illinois Gaming Regulators Approve Sports Betting Ad Ban For Colleges, More RG Messaging

• The Illinois Gaming Board has approved new rules and regulations for sports betting, gambling, and video lottery terminal
• Under the new rules, advertisements published, displayed, aired, or broadcast on college campuses will be prohibited
• Problem gambling text is now required in all advertising and marketing materials

The Illinois Gaming Board is taking steps to protect vulnerable populations, such as college students and problem gamblers, with the approval of new sports betting, gambling, and video gaming advertising rules in the state.

The three-member board recently approved new rules to prohibit sports betting, gambling, and video gaming — video lottery terminal — advertising from appearing on Illinois college campuses and a requirement to include prominent responsible gaming messages in all advertising and marketing efforts.

The new rules went into effect on Friday, Aug. 1.

Advertisements Banned From College Campuses

The most prominent change to the Illinois sports betting, gambling, and video gaming advertising rules include a complete prohibition from having advertisements or promotions displayed, published, aired, broadcast, or distributed on any college or university campus in the state.

The rules also apply to any college or university media outlet, such as university newspapers and radio or television broadcasts, or any sports venues used primarily for college and university events.

The IGB assessed advertising and marketing rules for sports betting adopted in 2020. After completing its assessment, the board determined that the rules should also apply to video lottery terminal and casino advertising as well. An enhancement of the rules was determined to be necessary to “assure an ethical advertising environment that restricts enticements to minors and those with gambling problems.”

“By adopting these measures, the IGB is building upon existing regulations to implement additional safeguards and standards that further protect the public and encourage responsible gambling habits,” IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter said in a released statement. “These regulations provide for clear, consistent, ethical, and transparent advertising and marketing guidelines for all casino, video gaming, and sports wagering operations under IGB jurisdiction.”

Additionally, any advertisements will be prohibited from depicting college or university students or college or university settings.

Opt Outs New Required

The new rules now also require all licensed Illinois gaming operators to keep extensive logs of all advertising and marketing materials, while also including a log of how they are published, aired, displayed, or distributed.

Each operator will also have to include responsible gambling text as determined by the Illinois Department of Human Services in all advertisements and marketing materials, while also providing patrons with the option to unsubscribe or opt out of receiving these materials.

Additionally, gaming operators will no longer be able to enter into agreements with third parties to conduct advertising or market on their behalf when compensation is dependent upon, or related to, the volume or outcome of wagers.

The IGB regulates all licensed Illinois casino gambling, video gaming, and sports betting in the state. This includes 17 casinos, approximately 9,000 licensed video gaming locations, and 14 active sportsbooks.