Illinois Is Tightening Gambling Advertising Rules and Restrictions

Illinois is tightening regulatory rules for gambling advertising and gambling in general in the United States. The regulator, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), said on Monday that it is ushering in new rules that are meant to lead to better consumer protection overall.

Illinois Gaming Board on New Advertising Rules in the State

Among the measures proposed are marketing, advertising, promotions for licensed casinos, video gaming, sports wagering, and more. One of the biggest takeaways of the new measures is that gambling advertising will no longer be eligible on college campuses, as the IGB seeks to protect those at-risk and most vulnerable groups.

In a statement, IGB administrator Marcus D. Fruchter had this to say: “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.”

Fruchter added that the regulations were meant to provide clear and consistent, as well as ethical and transparent, advertising and marketing guidelines for all casinos.

The new measures specifically seek to prevent operators and other parties from placing ads in places that could be seen by underage members of the public or vulnerable populations, i.e., people who struggle with addiction.

In addition, the IGB now mandates that any gambling advertising should prominently feature a warning about the addictive nature of gambling and responsible gambling. On top of that, the regulator is calling for more ethical regulation and advertising rules that would help protect consumers in the state.

College Students and Athletes, as Well as Vulnerable People to Be Protected

To ensure that no company is coloring around the new guidelines, the IGB requires the companies to keep copies of all advertising and marketing materials, with an identifiable log as to when all messages and materials have been published.

There is a specific prohibition to depict college or university students, as well as colleges or universities, or create advertising that is suggestive of such settings.

These measures are all designed to strengthen existing guidelines as well as send a clear message that the IGB is aware of the issues that could arise from unchecked advertising.