PlayUp denied Ohio betting license due to ‘misleading’ adverts

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has revealed its intention to deny a license to Australia-based betting operator PlayUp due to alleged illegal activities carried out by the company.

The OCCC noted that PlayUp has been deemed unsuitable to own a license due to an investigation that was carried out by the regulatory body. The operator was accused by the authorities of “engaging in false, deceptive, misleading, or otherwise impermissible advertising… by advertising the Slots+ product as legal gaming in the state of Ohio”.
 
Due to these violations, a cease-and-desist order was issued to PlayUp and its technology associate, Potent Systems.
 
In an effort to salvage the situation, PlayUp has asked to have a hearing with the regulator so that it can defend itself. The OCCC will vote on its final judgment following the negotiations.
 
The OCCC’s Executive Director, Matt Schuler, said: “In the meantime, PlayUp will not be licensed nor permitted to operate in this state. To honor the hearing process I am not going to provide any further comments. I want to stress the importance of the commission’s suitability investigations and the very high standards set by the general assembly for all applicants and licensees.”
 
A PlayUp spokesperson said: “PlayUp received the Commission Notice for Opportunity for Hearing and is reviewing its provisions with legal counsel. At all times, PlayUp believed it was operating within the bounds of Ohio law. As noted by the executive director, PlayUp acted diligently to come into compliance with the cease-and-desist order. PlayUp remains committed to compliance with all Ohio laws.”
 
The state of Ohio will launch online sports betting on January 1, 2022. These preemptive actions by the OCCC are encouraging for the state’s developing sports betting industry with regards to customer protection.
 
The state has already issued licences to several operators including BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, and DraftKings. PlayUp currently has operational licenses in New Jersey and Colorado.

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