Wednesday continued a tumultuous stretch for PENN Entertainment and its Barstool Sportsbook, as the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) brought up a notice of violation against the company for allegedly targeting college students in advertising.'
Last week, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) delayed a decision regarding a retail sports betting license for PENN Entertainment's Plainridge Park. That decision came after controversial Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy came under fire in a New York Times article that referred to him as a “degenerate gambler.”'
Part of the MGC's concern with PENN Entertainment/Barstool Sportsbook, which relies on Portnoy to promote the sportsbook, stemmed from him visiting the University of Tennessee for a football game earlier this season. During his off-campus visit, he discussed wagering $100,000 on the team's opponent, Georgia, to win the national championship. Some MGC commissioners expressed concern about his effect on a young audience and glorifying large wagers.'
“I'm disturbed by that,” MGC Commissioner Eileen O'Brien said.'