Ohio sports teams approved for sportsbook licenses

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has conditionally approved several sportsbook licenses ahead of the market’s launch in January next year.
Image: April Visuals/Shutterstock

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has conditionally approved several sportsbook licenses ahead of the market’s launch in January next year, including licenses for several sports teams.

The Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, FC Cincinnati, Cleveland Guardians, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have been conditionally approved by the state commission for either an online sportsbook (Type A) and/or a retail sports betting (Type B) license.

The Bengals will have an online sportsbook with Betfred, FC Cincinnati will have an online and retail sportsbook with SuperBook, and the Browns will have a retail and online sportsbook with Bally’s (retail away from their stadium due to NFL rules).

According to the commission, the Blue Jackets will have an online and retail sportsbook with Fanatics, and a second online sportsbook with Prophet Exchange.

For the Cavaliers, its retail sportsbook will be built by Caesars Entertainment, while Fubo Gaming will be responsible for its mobile sportsbook app.

For the Guardians, its online sportsbook license will be managed by bet365, while its retail sportsbook will be managed by Fanatics as listed in the commission’s report.

Other notable applications conditionally approved include:

  • MGM Northfield Park (online & retail: BetMGM)
  • Scioto Downs (online & retail: Caesars)
  • Hollywood Casino in Columbus (online & retail: Barstool)
  • Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway (online: BetRivers, retail: Barstool)
  • Belterra Park in Cincinnati (online & retail: FanDuel, second online: Betway)

The next step for these sportsbooks will be to submit their responsible gaming plans, house rules, facility plans, geolocation procedures, required procedures, and equipment tests to state regulators as part of the compliance document licensing window. This window closes on November 2.

By December 2, sportsbooks must have their equipment ready for commission verification. All standard sports gaming employee applications must also be submitted by November 2.

The universal start date for sports betting in the state of Ohio is January 1, 2023, meaning the Buckeye State’s market will be live ahead of the NFL games of the Browns at Washington Commanders on January 1, and the Buffalo Bills at the Bengals on January 2, as well as the 2023 Rose Bowl and the CFB National Championship game.