Betting companies can't buy naming rights to NC arenas, tracks under proposed rules
No Caesars Arena to replace Raleigh's PNC Arena. No FanDuel Field at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium. And no DraftKings Concourse at Cary's WakeMed Soccer Park.
Naming rights opportunities highlighting betting companies wouldn't be allowed under proposed rules put forth Tuesday by the North Carolina Lottery Commission's sports betting committee. The latest set of rules are now open for public comment.
"No operator shall contract for or purchase the right to name a sports facility or racetrack, or any physical location within the sports facility or racetrack, including but not limited to seating locations, luxury boxes, parking lots, concourses, track, playing field, court, golf holes, locker rooms, benches, concessions stands, and the like," the proposed rule states.
An in-person sportsbook, or wagering facility in the parlance of the commission, "may bear or utilize the operator's tradename." So there could be an ESPN BET Sportsbook at Charlotte Motor Speedway, for example.
The commission is responsible for regulating sports betting in the state and it is currently working through rules for every aspect of the industry.
The commission faces a June 15 deadline to have sports betting up and running in North Carolina. Sports betting could begin as soon as Jan. 8. No date has been set for allowing sports betting.
A first set of rules and definitions will be voted on by the commission later this month. That package of rules included a definition of "fantasy contests" that some in the industry are fighting against.
The prohibition on naming rights was included in the second large set of proposals, totaling more than 250 pages. The public comment period is open through Nov. 27. There will be a public hearing on Nov. 20.
The proposed rules touch on licensing provisions, disciplinary actions and hearings, internal control standards, responsible gaming, wagering accounts, wagering facilities, advertising and marketing and standards for sports wagering.
Under the proposed rules:
- Bettors can wager and/or win up to $10,000 anonymously at in-person sports wagering facilities, which are allowed at certain sports stadiums, golf courses and racetracks in the state. For wagers or payouts of more than $10,000, bettors must provide their name, date of birth, address, social security number and other proof of identity. Bettors must provide that information when they create or register a mobile account, no matter the dollar amount being wagered.
- Advertising must include a statement that those under 21 cannot bet and cannot include or depict college students or those wearing college-affiliated apparel, schools or colleges or college settings. If sent by phone, mail, email or other electronic means, the receiver must have a way to opt out.
- Further, advertising cannot be aimed at those under 21, including on platforms used primarily by those under 21, at events where more than 25% of the audience is expected to be under 21, at any elementary, middle or high schools venues or on any college or university campus including in student newspapers, radio or television broadcasts.
