With a little over two weeks until the first of the year, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is busy tying up loose ends before the Buckeye State becomes the 32nd state to legalize sports betting.
The first move the OCCC did was approve four more operators for mobile sports betting. The licenses were awarded to Bally Bet, Underdog Sportsbook, Digital Gaming Corp. and Out The Gate. Betway is owned by Digital Gaming Corp. and will be partnered with Belterra Park, a casino in Cincinnati.
Out The Gate is a relatively new player in sports betting. They are partnered with the SPIRE Institute. They are one of the most comprehensive youth and adult sports complexes in the country and have reportedly been searching for a unique way to bring in more money. The campus already reportedly contributes more than $50 million to the local economy annually.
“Our ownership group was looking at different avenues and continues to look at different avenues to help us grow and create other revenue streams,” said Jeff Orloff, president at SPIRE.
Another move the OCCC refused to do was to move up the scheduled launch date to accommodate Ohio State’s College Football Playoff game. The Buckeyes are facing the Georgia Bulldogs on December 31 in one of two semifinal games.
Fans and sportsbook operators were hoping to bump up the launch a day earlier but Matthew Schuler, OCCC executive director, said January 1 would remain the official starting date.
The final action the bar took was fining Barstool Sportsbook for what they said was college-related marketing. The OCCC alleged that Barstool, which is owned by PENN Entertainment, targeted advertising material to several college campuses In Ohio. Some of the students that were exposed to the advertising included those under the age of 21.
Barstool will reportedly be fined $250,000, though they can appeal the decision, which would then go to a hearing.
OCCC didn’t get into specifics of the violation by Barstool, Schuler told reporters that the violation warranted disciplinary action.
“Responsible gaming should be the cornerstone of any gaming business,” Schuler said. “This apparent direct promotion to college students is completely at odds with responsible gaming and the law.”
