What To Expect When Sports Betting Launches In Ohio

Ohio sports betting will be live on January 1, 2023.

But expectant bettors already have an idea of what sports betting will look like in the Buckeye State.

How Many Apps Will Launch In Ohio

As part of the sports betting law passed in late 2021, there will be up to 25 mobile apps and 40 retail sports books.  All sports betting must begin on a universal start date, no later than Jan. 1, 2023.

But it’s not just apps and sports books.

There are also different types of licenses: A, B, and C.

Type A is for online-only licenses.  Type B is for retail sportsbooks.  Type C is for restaurants with a specific alcohol license to offer small wagers on kiosks.

And in many cases what your options depend on where you are in Ohio. According to the law, a county with a population of 400,000 or less may only have one license.  A county with a population between 400,000 and 799,000 is allowed three. The maximum number of licenses a county may have is five, but the population must exceed 800,000.

Mobile Sports Betting Options

On July 8, the Cincinnati Bengals became the first professional sports team to apply for a Type A license.  The team did not list a specific sportsbook provider on its application.

The Bengals are one of four applicants for a Type A license to date.  The others are affiliated with the JACK casino and racino, as well as the HOF Village Newco, a sports resort near the Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

The Bengals did not apply for a retail license or Type B application. The other locations, however, all applied for a Type B. betJack is listed as the sportsbook operator for the JACK casinos, but HOF Village Newco did not list one for theirs.

When it comes to mobile sports betting, several operators known as Mobile Management Service Providers, have applied for a license.

These include BetMGM, PointsBet Ohio, Crown Gaming Ohio (DraftKings), PennSports, Betfair (FanDuel), and FPB (Fanatics).

The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which is responsible for the licenses, announces its latest updates for applications on Fridays.  The most up-to-date list can be found here.

Other Sportsbooks Expected

Many sportsbooks have existing deals in place with professional sports teams in the state, which will ensure an easy transition for when sports betting becomes operational.

Ballys has partnered with the Cleveland Browns to be the official betting partner at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Fubo has partnered with the Cleveland Cavaliers to be the official betting partner at RocketMortgage Field House.

Hard Rock operates a casino in Cincinnati.  The company has announced it will give bettors $500 in free money to use when the app officially launches if they download the app before Aug. 1.

Type C Licenses And Establishments Also Announced

The Type C license offers small businesses a bite of the action on sports betting. Thus far only one operator, Elys Gameboard Technologies, has applied for an application.

But the list of eligible locations that are pre-qualified for kiosks is extensive.  In early July the Ohio Lottery announced a slew of preapproved locations, however, it is important to note that prequalification does not guarantee they will receive a kiosk.  The 23-page list includes locations in Cincinnati, Dublin, Fairfield, Jackson, and countless others throughout the state.

Similar to the OCCC list, it is expected to update on Fridays.

Contributed by Mary Shaffrey