Two Indiana sportsbook operators were fined this week for allowing customers to place bets while they were on a self-exclusion list.
The Indiana Gaming Commission levied $2,500 fines on Fanatics and BetMGM June 25 following an investigative report. Each operator self-reported the incidents and agreed to pay the fines.
Indiana sports betting relies on self-exclusion lists to help prevent problem gambling.
Sportsbooks must offer self-exclusion lists in Indiana
A gambling self-exclusion list allows players to prevent themselves from placing bets at casinos and sportsbooks.
The lists are voluntary. Users can choose a permanent exclusion or exclude themselves for a specified time. Players sometimes join the lists to take a break from sports betting or casino gambling. It helps them resist temptation.
Indiana law requires sports betting operators to create and maintain self-exclusion lists. Such mechanisms are viewed as crucial tools in helping to promote responsible gambling.
BetMGM also fined over licensing lapse
In the case of BetMGM Indiana, a customer was allowed to create a new account under their identity even though they had placed their name on a self-exclusion list in another state.
BetMGM has a single self-exclusion system (single wallet) that is supposed to prohibit people on any list from registering to bet in another jurisdiction. The transgression occurred in October 2023. BetMGM reported the violation to the IGC in January.
It reported that its customer had withdrawn less than $500 from the account, which was later suspended.
BetMGM also received a $5,000 fine this month due to a licensing lapse. According to the Indiana Gaming Commission, several contractors working with BetMGM in Indiana performed their duties for 52 days after their licenses had expired. Most key gaming vendors and employees must maintain licenses with the state.
Fanatics violation occurred during transition from PointsBet
Fanatics reported its error in March when it learned that a customer had accessed their account despite being in the midst of a year-long self-exclusion.
The violation apparently stemmed from the transition from a PointsBet exclusion list. Fanatics completed its purchase of PointsBet earlier this year.
Fanatics says it closed the account in question and refunded the remaining money the self-excluded individual placed in it. According to the sportsbook, the customer was able to wager $3,208.42.
