Ohio will launch legal sports betting around January 1, 2023, said Matt Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC).
He said the “universal start date” for Ohio residents to be able to place wagers at casinos, betting kiosks, retail sports betting locations and online will be close to if not exactly on that date. Actually, the legislation signed by Governor Mike DeWine late lats year calls for the January 1 deadline but optimistic bettors hoped sports wagering could kick off in time for football season.
According to the OCCC’s website, Ohio’s will be the largest simultaneous sports betting launch in the U.S.
The state will accept applications for sports betting licenses June 15 through July 15. Licenses for kiosks at locations with retail liquor licenses will be available for an additional month.
OCCC spokesperson Jessica Franks said, “We anticipate roughly 3,000 license applications might come in. We’re going to need to do all of those investigations to issue those licenses and then make sure they’re in compliance with all of the rules and regulations. We’re going to need all of that time right up until January.” The applicants will be competing for 25 online sportsbooks and 40 retail sportsbooks, including 11 professional sports locations, four casinos and 11 racinos.
In addition, the Ohio Lottery Commission will install sports-betting kiosks in bars and restaurants; approximately 2,000 locations may be eligible for a sports-gaming host license.
