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Casino Commission Announces Ohio Legal Sportsbook Applicants

Application windows have opened for prospective Ohio legal online sportsbook providers.

Ohio sports betting fans are eagerly anticipating the state’s launch. With just over four months until legal wagers can be placed, regulators are scrambling to get items in order. Fortunately, things seem to be moving along with speed and diligence. 

Sportsbook Applicants Roll In 

The Ohio Casino Control Commission is now allowing prospective sportsbook providers to submit applications across three different windows. The first began in mid-June and piqued the interest of over 50 applicants. 

By the July 15th deadline, gaming officials had received 22 applications for Type-A (online) licensing and 24 applications for Type-B (retail) licensing. Among these candidates were some of the state’s most beloved professional sports teams. 

The athletics organizations up for consideration are as follows:

  • Cleveland Browns (NFL)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
  • Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
  • Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
  • Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
  • Columbus Crew (MLS)
  • FC Cincinnati (USL)

Midwest Mobile Betting Madness

Any of the above teams that manage to secure Type-A licensing will get the opportunity to collaborate with up to two legal mobile sportsbook providers. Several of these teams have already announced partnerships with at least one national gambling brand. 

In addition to the team-affiliated online sportsbooks, Ohio gaming officials received mobile betting inquiries from 20 potential operators.

The Casino Control Commission is also taking applications for a Type-C certification allowing betting in bars and restaurants. With only 5 applications collected so far, it seems that there has been little interest in this limited class of licensing. 

Even so, we expect to see submissions from more candidates as we head into the fall. 

Ohio Online Sports Betting Trajectory

Ohio is projected to have one of the most large-scale sports gambling industries upon its launch. Compared to most legal sports betting states, Ohio bettors are set to have access to double the providers. 

With such a massive launch in store, Ohio’s state sports betting revenue is set to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Colorado. In the first year, industry analysts suggest that the Buckeye state could top $1.1 billion in returns.

Given the excitement from local gamblers, the billion dollar-mark is well within Ohio’s reach. Per a recent survey from PlayUSA, nearly 50% of current Ohio bettors say they plan on wagering more than once a week when domestic betting becomes available. 

January isn’t very far away, but Ohio will be missing out on some of the most lucrative sporting events of the year. Between the FIFA World Cup and MLB World Series, a lot of money is being left on the table. 

Still, that doesn’t mean that bettors have to forgo potential wins. Ohio sports fans can place safe, legal wagers right now using offshore sportsbook brands. 

Head to our ribbon for more information.

Source: The Center SquareFox 8

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