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OLG defends up-to-$9M ad budget, says most spend goes through a DC-based CBE and includes responsible-gaming messaging
Summary
OLG told the committee it spent about $7M on advertising last year (authorization up to $9M; contract ceiling higher) on sponsorships, signage, streaming and team partnerships; the agency said nearly all marketing work is via a local CBE agency and that responsible-gaming messages accompany promotions.
Council members pressed OLG on advertising authorizations and whether marketing might expand the pool of people gambling. Thomas R. Burnside said the agency spent closer to $7 million last year and the FY27 proposed budget authorizes up to $9 million in advertising. He described sponsorships and partnerships with local teams and venues, signage, streaming campaigns and occasional bus wraps. "Almost all of that money is CBE spend," Burnside said of the agency's primary marketing contractor, and he added that responsible-gaming messaging and the toll-free help line accompany most promotions.
Council members expressed philosophical reticence about increasing gambling advertising, and asked how much of the marketing budget is dedicated specifically to responsible-gaming efforts. Burnside said OLG funds a hotline and a full-time RG staffer and that every marketing item includes an RG message, but could not supply a single percentage breakdown on the spot. The committee asked for follow-up detail on contracts and advertising performance metrics.
