The rumors that BetMGM will be moving its sportsbook away from Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati are official. BetMGM announced this week that the company’s retail sportsbook in Ohio will relocate to a new venue at the corner of Second Street and Joe Nuxhall Way.
The new venue will feature the popular local eatery Nation Kitchen and Bar in addition to retail betting windows and kiosks. An added bonus is that, unlike at Great American Ballpark, the venue will be open year-round and not just on game days.
“We are thrilled to expand BetMGM’s offering in Ohio. The Reds and Nation Kitchen & Bar are great partners and together we’re building a premier entertainment venue that we can’t wait to see filled with fans,” said BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost.
BetMGM partnered with the Cincinnati Reds for market access into Ohio, but the retail sportsbook at the stadium struggled to gain much traction. In April, the property only took $99,000 in wagers, putting it 12th out of the 13 retail sportsbooks ahead of only the Superbook retail facility at Taft’s Ale House.
The new facility is just outside the ballpark and easier to access than the in-stadium venue.
“Bringing BetMGM and Nation Kitchen & Bar together adds another exciting destination to our vibrant downtown. This Nation Kitchen & Bar brings best-in-class food service from one of Cincinnati’s best eateries and BetMGM brings best in sports gaming experience,” said Reds CFO Doug Healy.
The in-stadium venue will remain open through Fall 2023.
The Reds are in the midst of an 11-game winning streak and are suddenly the hottest ticket in baseball, so the added interest in the team could lead to some increased foot traffic for the retail book in June.
