Sports Betting Applications Being Submitted in Ohio
The process of legalizing online sports betting in Ohio has been slow to say the least, but things have finally start to show some signs of progress. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is now in charge of getting this industry up and running and a big step was taken earlier this month.
Sportsbook operators can start to submit license applications to receive a sports betting license and two of the biggest names of the industry have done just that. BetMGM applied for a license on June 15, and PointsBet applied for a license just one day later on June 16.
BetMGM had an easy path into the state of Ohio as the MGM Northfield Park is already in the state. This company plans to offer both retail and online sports betting, and it oculd quickly emerge as a leader in Ohio.
PointsBet has a deal in place with Penn National Gaming to be able to apply for a sports betting license in Ohio to offer both online and retail. Other big name companies are still trying to enter the state by entering a partnership with a professional team or a casino.
There could be as many as 40 online sportsbook operators launching in Ohio, but there won’t be that many going live on January 1. Ohio just recently posted a final draft of the sports betting rules and regulations and that helped sportsbook operators submit those applications.
The first application period is set to end on July 15, but then the second window will open up. The Casino Control Commission has urged the top mobile sportsbooks to get their applications in now, because there could be thousands coming in.
Promotions Will Attract Cubsomers
While any and all sportsbooks will not be able to accept wagers until January 1, 2023, sports betting action will actually begin much sooner. All of the online sportsbooks are able to start signing up customers well before that, and that could happen as soon as these licenses are handed out.
The Hard Rock Sportsbook has not yet applied for a license, but it will be offering sports betting at some point. Hard Rock plans to offer a promotion that will decrease in value as it gets closer to the date to launch online betting.
Other states have allowed the same process and it should help sports betting get off to a big start on January 1.
Plenty of Retail Options
One reason that the Casino Control Commission has urged sportsbook operators to get their applications in is due to the fact that the second application window is open to retail operators. These retail operators in Ohio will not only be at a casino or sports stadium, but you will also see them throughout the state.
Any business wanting to offer sports betting through a kiosk can apply through the Ohio Lottery to do so. There could be hundreds of these locations that get approved by January 1, and those applications will all be in by August 15.
