The Ohio Casino Control Commission has now received 25 mobile sports betting license applications ahead of the state’s launch as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day.
Four additional companies have applied to enter the new market, which marks the first of three states already penciled in for a 2023 launch alongside Maryland and Massachusetts.
WynnBet, Digital Gaming Corporation, Prophet Exchange and MaximBet are the latest sportsbook operators that have expressed an interest in becoming licensees in the Buckeye State.
The four join other major sportsbook operators such as BetMGM, PointsBet, DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars in seeking licensing opportunities for Ohio.
The OCCC came in for criticism for its decision to approve January 1, 2023, as the universal start date for online and retail sports betting in the state, with critics expressing that it could have launched in time for the NFL season in a similar fashion to Kansas.
Nevertheless, operators are treating Ohio as a significant opportunity to boost topline figures, with several firms already laying the groundwork for market entry.
UK-based operator Betfred formed a multi-year partnership with NFL Super Bowl finalists Cincinnati Bengals to become the official sports betting partner of the franchise.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul and Joey Levy’s new micro-betting venture Betr has become the official mobile sports betting partner of Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment.
The OCCC’s deadline of August 15 has now passed, meaning any further applications will not be guaranteed to be considered in time for launch on New Year’s Day.
