Ohio sports betting regulators consider granting gaming companies their sports betting licenses to operate as soon as everything is wired out. January 1, 2023, is the projected start date for legal sports wagering in the state. Most of the gambling operators are ready to take bets by then.
Ohio State regulators are just finishing a few conditions before granting the operating licenses to Betway, Bally’s, and Underdog. Several sports betting regulations went through minor changes and overhauls since the state delved into legitimate sports betting. Players from the Buckeye State will finally experience legal wagering entertainment as the date draws near for Ohioans.
There are currently 16 sports betting sites in Ohio that have been conditionally approved. Most of these operators will be among the first wave of legal Ohio sports betting sites to operate in the State.
Online sports betting is Coming soon to Ohio
On January 1, 2023, punters in Ohio will have their first taste of registering, making account deposits, availing of bonuses/promotions, and placing wagers legally from anywhere within the state.
Sports betting legislation of the State has slots open for 25 Type-A licenses for casinos, professional sports teams, and venues. These licenses will be made available with two online skins each. In addition, 40 Type-B licenses will be up for applicants in the Buckeye State. These licenses are set aside for retail betting sportsbooks only.
Ohio has eight professional sports teams, two big events (PGA and Nascar), 11 casinos and racinos, and 21 Type-A and Type-B licenses are sure to be awarded. Four Type-A and 19 Type-B licenses will be left for applicants. Type-C licenses are also up for grabs for self-service or clerk-operated kiosks within bars and restaurants with valid liquor licenses.
Mobile Management Services Provider
Three sportsbook operators are applying for permits to be the so-called “mobile management services provider” in the State of Ohio. Their approved applications will allow them to cater wagers on behalf of one of the state’s “proprietors.”
Digital Gaming Corp., the Betway-linked company, will work with Belterra Park Racino. Meanwhile, Underdog plans to partner with the Cincinnati Reds baseball team and Bally’s with the Cleveland Browns NFL squad.
The fourth license up for consideration would be for “ Out The Gate Inc. “, a gaming operator based in New Jersey, that aims to partner with the SPIRE Institute, a northeastern Ohio sports facility.
If the four sports betting providers get the nod of the casino control commission, the number of licensed online sportsbook operators in Ohio will add up to 20. Those operators will be up to operating on January 1, 2003, the legal sports betting opening date in Ohio. Their start-ups will be in addition to the wagering that will begin at casinos, bars, and restaurants, among other retail betting shops and lottery locations.
Major NCAA Football Game Scheduled Before Legal Sports Betting Opening Day
A major sports event will not hamper the opening day of legal sports betting in Ohio. A semifinal game between eighth-seed Ohio State Buckeyes and the Georgia Bulldogs is on schedule a day before opening day, December 31, 2022. It is a day when most approved retail betting shops and online betting sites begin accepting wagers in the State.
The NCAA Football worries organizers that the main event would likely divide attention from punters and handle for operators in Ohio if wagering on the matchup is allowed. In fact, The Ohio Casino Control Commission received notices of administrative actions laid against Barstool Sportsbook and PlayUp, but over different allegations.
PayUp’s application to offer betting services was denied. The betting entity requested a hearing for the motion that denied his services. The casino control commission withheld PlayUp’s betting services because it accepted “illegal” bets from U.S. bettors after April 16, 2015, through its “slots+” product.
Meanwhile, Barstool Sportsbook received a notice of violation of the regulator’s rules against advertising on or targeting the area of a University Campus or an Ohio college whereabouts, as well as against influencing people under the age of 21.
With these premises, Ohio Casino Control Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler emphasized in a public meeting that the slated start date for legal sports betting in the State will push through on January 1, 2023. Bettors can start placing their wagers over the internet, at traditional sportsbooks, and using kiosks linked to the lottery that is pre-approved by the State.
Responsible gaming in Ohio
Unfortunately, the problem of gambling remains a concern in all states with legitimate gambling operators in the market. For Ohioans, multiple organizations set up several support groups for those who are addicted to gambling. Gambling addicts can join the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program.
Schuler further states that “Responsible gaming should be the cornerstone of any gaming business,” this is with regards to the direct promotion to college students which is completely at odds with responsible gaming and the law.”
