Under the amended HB 29 that passed in December, 2021 Ohio sports betting will launch on January 1, 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission will be responsible for drawing up the regulations for the new market.
Sports teams, racinos, and casinos will all be preferred for mobile sports betting licenses. Each will get one license with the possibility for a second if the applicant can prove it will improve Ohio financially. The law also calls for the conversion of lottery kiosks to allow for limited sports betting at grocery stores, bars, and restaurants.
This is not the first time that legal sports betting in Ohio has been attempted. In 2020, bill sponsors from the House and Senate met in an attempt to work out a compromise. However, the Senate proposed too many changes and there was not enough time to get the work done. Another attempt was made with SB176 in summer 2021 but that bill also did not make it far.
It is hoped that with the passage of this latest bill, legal sports betting in Ohio will finally become a reality.
Sportsbook apps coming to Ohio
As Ohio moves forward with the legalization of sportsbooks, there is anticipation over which companies will be bringing their apps to the state as sports betting launches on January 1, 2023.
HB 29 provides for the possibility of as many as 25 OH online sportsbooks from the outset, and the casinos and sports teams that have those licenses can apply for a second skin if they can demonstrate to the OCCC that the second skin will benefit Ohio on an incremental basis.
While the final list of sportsbooks is not yet available, some companies seem more likely than others to launch their app in Ohio. Here are some of the most probable:
FanDuel sportsbook
FanDuel is one of the more aggressive sports betting providers. The company has partnerships with several sports teams, which could make them a viable candidate for an official sports betting partner. They already operate in Ohio as a daily fantasy sports provider.
Bettors can begin pre-registering with operators starting October 1, 2022. This will allow them to get a head start on creating their accounts and be ready to place bets as soon as sports betting goes live. FanDuel is the first operator to announce that it will accept Ohio bettors, with more sure to follow suit in the coming weeks. This is good news for fans of Ohio sports teams, who will finally be able to place legal bets on their favorite team’s games. The pre-registration period is sure to be a busy one for FanDuel and other sports betting operators, as fans rush to get a piece of the action.
DraftKings sportsbook
DraftKings is also a well-known and long-standing legal presence in Ohio as a DFS company. It is often one of the first sportsbooks to launch in new sports betting states, and has been the only available app in several states at various times. Although its relationship with Kambi ended in September 2021 (cutting out JACK Entertainment as a possible partner), DraftKings seems likely to find an Ohio-based cohort when sports betting rolls out.
BetMGM sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook is the sports betting extension of MGM Resorts International, one of the largest casino companies in the world and a leader in the online sports betting industry. One of MGM’s properties, MGM Northfield Park, is located in Ohio, which paves the way for MGM to apply for licensing in the Buckeye State. BetMGM is committed to providing a best-in-class experience for sports bettors in Ohio, offering a wide range of betting markets and competitive odds. With its convenient online platform, BetMGM makes it easy for Ohioans to place bets on their favorite sports teams and events.
Caesars sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook has become a dominant force in the casino industry in recent years, through its mergers with Eldorado Resorts and William Hill. Because of the Eldorado deal, Caesars now owns Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs, giving it the necessary presence in Ohio to move forward with sports betting plans.
Hard Rock sportsbook
Hard Rock Sportsbook is the sports betting arm of the international casino, hotel and restaurant chain of the same name. One of Hard Rock International’s properties is Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, which means that Hard Rock is well-positioned to launch sports betting when Ohio finally goes live.
Hard Rock has been in the casino business for decades, and they know a thing or two about offering a great gambling experience. With Hard Rock Sportsbook, you can expect the same level of quality and service that you’ve come to expect from Hard Rock. Whether you’re betting on your favorite team or trying your luck at the casino, Hard Rock Sportsbook is the place to be.
JACK Entertainment sportsbook
JACK Entertainment is an Ohio-based company that owns and operates two properties in Cleveland and North Randall. Although the company has no prior sports betting experience, it has a partnership with Kambi, meaning it could get in on sports betting in the state.
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool Sportsbook is a brand that is known for being edgy and brash. It is the sports betting arm of Penn National Gaming, which is one of the larger gambling companies in the US. Penn National also owns the Hollywood Casino brand, which has four locations in Ohio.
Summary of upcoming online sportsbooks in Ohio
There are a few sportsbooks that are likely to launch in Ohio when it becomes legalised. These include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Hard Rock and JACK Entertainment. Each of these brands has its own unique strengths and weaknesses that will appeal to different types of bettors. For example, FanDuel is known for its user-friendly interface, while DraftKings offers a more comprehensive range of betting markets. BetMGM is a good choice for those who want a convenient online platform, while Hard Rock is a good option for casino fans.
Whichever sportsbook you choose, you can be sure that you’ll have a great experience betting on your favorite teams and events.
Popular sports to bet on in Ohio
Ohio is a great place to be a sports fan, with a rich history in all four major professional sports leagues. The state’s teams haven’t always been successful, but the fans remain rabid and passionate.
NFL betting in Ohio
In the NFL, the Cleveland Browns have been struggling for years, but the Dawg Pound remains one of the most loyal and vocal fan bases in the league. The Bengals have been more successful, making the playoffs six times since 2011.
NBA betting in Ohio
The NBA’s Cavaliers were once led by LeBron James to the promised land, winning the championship in 2016. Since then, however, the team has been in transition and is hoping to hit on another top draft pick in the near future.
MLB betting in Ohio
The MLB’s Reds and Indians both have long histories in the state. The Reds have been one of the most successful teams in baseball, winning five World Series titles. The Indians haven’t won a World Series in over 70 years, but the team has been competitive in recent years and has a bright future ahead.
NHL betting in Ohio
The NHL’s Blue Jackets are the newest professional team in Ohio, but the team has already made its mark, winning its first playoff series in 2019.
College betting in Ohio
The Buckeyes are the most popular college team in Ohio and one of the most prestigious programs in the country. The football team has won eight national championships, and the basketball team has made 11 Final Fours. The Bearcats and the Musketeers are also popular college basketball teams in the state.
Summary of betting in Ohio
There is no shortage of options for sports fans in Ohio, and with so many passionate fan bases, it’s no wonder that sports betting is so popular in the state. Whether you’re looking to bet on pro or college teams, there’s sure to be a team that you can get behind.
Ohio sports betting law and legalization
Just like in many other states, the legalization of sports betting in Ohio has been a hot topic in the legislature. Earlier this year, the state senate passed SB 176, which would have allowed for sports betting in the state. However, that bill did not make it through the House before the summer recess.
Fortunately, the infrastructure of SB 176 was moved onto HB 29, which did receive a hearing in the House. The result is that the amended HB 29 is now the accepted sports betting law in Ohio.
Under the new law, there will be 25 mobile Type A licenses and 40 retail Type B licenses. Only casino and sports team licensees can apply for a second skin and must demonstrate a clear economic benefit to the state itself in order to qualify.
The Type C license will also allow Class D liquor-licensed businesses to have kiosks. Any licensed retailer can apply for approval from the state.
Sports betting revenue will be taxed at 10%. Two percent of taxes will go to problem gambling assistance.
HB 29 presents the potential for a much bigger legal betting market than last year’s HB 194. That compromise legislation eventually proposed just one online skin each for the state’s 11 casinos and racinos. It also proposed a slightly lower tax rate at 8%.
This is good news for those who want to bet on sports in Ohio. With more legal options available, it will be easier to find a safe and licensed operator to place your bets with. And the state will generate revenue from sports betting.
Ohio sports betting launch news
- October 28, 2022 Caesars Sportsbook goes live ahead of official sports betting launch in Ohio, January 1 2023.
- October 1, 2022: Ohio sports betting launches pre-registration offers for bettors, with FanDuel being the first operator to accept Ohio bettors ahead of the January launch.
- August 9, 2022: Jake Paul, a Cleveland native and YouTube star, announced the creation of Betr, the first direct-to-consumer micro-betting firm. When sports betting becomes legal in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023, Betr could be launched there. On July 1, 2022, Instabet (formerly known as) applied for an Mobile Management Services Provider license with the Ohio Casino Control Commissions through a partnership with Hall of Fame Village under its original name.
- August 8, 2022 – No new second-skin operators have applied. The deadline for obtaining a launch date for those who meet the requirements is August 15.
- August 3, 2022 – Matt Schuler, executive director of the Casino Control Commission, told that bookmakers in Ohio may take wagers beginning at midnight on New Year’s Day.
- August 1, 2022 – According to the update from the Ohio CCC, there are no new second skin operators who may apply as of July 29. Operators have until August 15 to apply for a second-skin license and secure a January 1 debut.
- July 25, 2022 – The first applicant for a second-skin license is Rush Street Interactive. In February 2021, the firm reached an agreement with Penn National to provide market access for its BetRivers brand.
- July 19, 2022 — Betfred has been announced as the Bengals’ online partner. The announcement comes at the same time as Cincinnati’s OCCC application.
- July 15, 2022 – 22 Ohio companies applied for their mobile proprietor licenses, allowing them to begin operations Jan. 1 if the market opens that day.
- July 11, 2022 – The Cincinnati Bengals have applied for a mobile proprietor sports betting license, which allows them to work with up to two mobile sportsbooks. FanDuel and Fanatics also requested licenses for retail and mobile gambling.
- July 6, 2022 – The Hall of Fame Village, Barstool Sportsbook, and Elys are among the first new applicants released by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
- June 28, 2022 – According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, DraftKings have applied for mobile sports betting licenses in the most recent batch of applications released and BetJACK for retail sports betting
- June 20, 2022 – Following the application period for online sports betting licenses in Ohio, BetMGM and PointsBet were the first companies to submit an application. After June 15, BetMGM also submitted an application for a retail license.
- June 13, 2022 – The application period for the majority of Ohio’s sports betting licenses will open this Wednesday, after the Casino Control Commission approves provisional licensing rules that day.
- June 1, 2022 – The Casino Control Commission announced today that legal sports betting in Ohio will become available Jan. 1, 2023. That was the last possible date for the market to open under the legislation passed in December.
- May 26, 2022 – The state legislature has not yet passed any gambling-related laws, but it has paved the way for sports betting to go live. The Casino Control Commission will reveal the worldwide commencement date next Wednesday, and hopeful Ohio sports bettors will know when sports betting will begin in less than a week.
- May 18, 2022 – The launch date for Ohio sportsbooks is expected to be June 1, according to a spokesperson, but it will not arrive before the mandated January 1 start date, owing to the more than 3,000 anticipated applications.
- May 9, 2022 – The draft applications for suppliers, critical employees, and standard employees are now available for public comment through 5 p.m. May 13.
- May 4, 2022 – The first deadline for sports betting licenses is June 15, with the second deadline being July 15. The remaining licenses will be available from July 15 through August 15 in a second window.
FAQ
As the state of Ohio moves closer to legalizing sports betting, many people have questions about how the process will work, what types of bets will be available, and how the revenue will be distributed. In this FAQ, we will answer some of the most common questions about sports betting in Ohio.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes, sports betting is legal in the state of Ohio, but no sportsbooks have yet opened. In December 2021, the Ohio Legislature passed a bill allowing for sports gambling and Gov. Mike DeWine signed it on December 22. The market will open Jan. 1, 2023.
When will sports betting launch in Ohio?
On Jan. 1, 2023, the state will go live. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is required by HB 29 to begin sports wagering in the state on Jan. 1, 2023. Rick Anthony, deputy executive director of the OCCC, told PlayOhio that the commission is “confident” it will be able to meet that deadline.
What types of bets will be available in Ohio?
There will be three types of licenses available for sports betting operators in Ohio: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Type A licensees will be able to offer mobile sports betting, while Type B licensees will be able to offer retail sports betting. Type C licensees will be able to offer Sports Betting Kiosks.
How much will I be taxed on my winnings?
Winnings from sports betting will be subject to a 10% tax. Two percent of the taxes collected will go to problem gambling assistance.
