The Ohio Casino Control Commission has approved January 1, 2023, as the universal start date for online and retail sports betting in the Buckeye State.
The commission has also released a sports gaming implementation timeline ahead of the go-live date of sports wagering in the state at the start of next year.
Starting June 15 until July 15, the first licensing window will open, followed by the second licensing window from July 15 until August 15.
The first licensing window will see the commission accept applications for 25 online sportsbooks (Type-A licenses), 40 retail sportsbooks (Type-B licenses), kiosks/clerk-operated terminals in bars and restaurants via the Ohio Lottery Commission (Type-C licenses), first-designated mobile management service providers (MMSP) partnering with Type-A and Type-B license holders, and sports betting equipment suppliers.
The second licensing window is for second-designated MMSP or service providers that want a second online sportsbook partnership to submit applications to the commission, as well as for establishments to add up to two sports betting kiosks if they already do business with the Ohio Lottery (Type-C licenses).
On August 1, the compliance document licensing window opens for sportsbooks to submit their responsible gaming plans, house rules, facility plans, geolocation procedures, required procedures, and equipment tests to state regulators. This window closes on November 2.
Sportsbooks must also have their equipment ready for commission verification by December 2.
All standard sports gaming employee applications must be submitted by November 2, ahead of the universal start date for sports betting in the state of Ohio on January 1, 2023.
Ohio sports betting will be live ahead of the NFL games of the Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders on January 1, and the Buffalo Bills at the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, as well as the 2023 Rose Bowl and the CFB National Championship game.
