Sports betting was legalized in Ohio in December 2021 and debuted on January 1, 2023 with digital platforms and retail outlets. However, many of the 1,000 small businesses that have been approved−and paid for−kiosks through the Ohio Lottery, have had to lower their expectations. These include owners of bars, restaurants, bowling alleys and grocery stores who had high hopes for sports betting revenue,
Currently, 21 mobile management services and six kiosk providers operate in Ohio. Industry wide, about 90 percent of wagering takes place on digital platforms; in-person betting on kiosks accounts for about 10 percent of sports betting. Some retailers said the actual payouts have been disappointing, although they acknowledge kiosks keep betters engaged in games longer than non-bettors and food and beverage sales have increased.
However, industry wide, the average hold, or win percentage, is about 7 percent, or $7 for every $100 wagered. Part that goes toward overhead, eating into profits. Observers said small-business owners probably receive a flat fee or small percentage of revenue per kiosk, if anything.
Billy Watson, owner of Kitty’s Sports Grill in downtown Cincinnati, said, “It hasn’t done as well as I thought it might, overall.” He noted, however, the establishment is experiencing larger crowds who stay longer thanks to the kiosks. Still, some businesses have yet to receive any Intralot kiosks. Ohio’s major grocery chains, Kroger and Giant Eagle, as yet don’t offer live wagering, although they do have Intralot lottery and keno machines through a partnership with the Ohio Lottery.
It’s not known when Intralot sports betting kiosks will be available. Ohio Lottery Communications Director Danielle Frizzi-Babb said, “Intralot’s software continues to be tested to meet the quality control standards required to allow the program to be uploaded and sent live to our machines. We are hopeful that Intralot will begin a phased deployment in the near future.”
