The Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Browns were among the first professional sports franchises in the state to receive approved Ohio online sports betting licenses.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has conditionally approved several sports betting licenses, giving the go-ahead for the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, and Columbus Crew to offer online and retail sports betting at their facilities.

The Commission deferred approval of licenses for the Cincinnati Bengals and FC Cincinnati, as franchise representatives were not present at its latest commission meeting.

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

There is big news coming to the upcoming 2022-23 Big Ten football season (and NFL season). Ohio online sports betting and Maryland sports betting are on the way.

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Ohio sports betting licenses approved

The Reds, Browns, and Crew received conditional approval for their Type A (online) and Type B (retail) sports betting license applications. The Reds have partnered with Underdog Sports Wagering to operate its online sports betting services, the Browns have partnered with Bally’s, and the Crew have partnered with Tipico.

Muirfield Village Golf Club also received conditional approval for both types of licenses as well. The golf club has partnered with Parx Interactive to operate its online sports betting services.

A number of casinos also received approval for their licenses at the meeting. The following casinos in the state received conditional approval for their Type A and Type B license applications, with their approved online sports betting operating partners:

  • JACK Cleveland Casino (PlayUP Interactive and MaximBet)
  • Jack Thistledown Racino (WynnBET)
  • Hollywood Casino Toledo (DraftKings)
  • Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley (PointsBet)

The following are the approved partnerships between the licensed casinos, the licensed sports franchises, and their retail sportsbook operators:

  • JACK Cleveland Casino (betJACK)
  • JACK Thistledown Racino (betJACK)
  • Hollywood Casino Toledo (Barstool Sportsbook)
  • Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley (Barstool Sportsbook)
  • Cincinnati Reds (BetMGM)
  • Cleveland Browns (Bally’s)
  • Columbus Crew (Tipico)
  • Muirfield Village Golf Club (Parx Interactive)

Hundreds of sports betting kiosk hosts approved

The Ohio Casino Control Commission also extended its approved sports betting kiosk hosts to 500 so far in the state. In total, 826 Ohio business have submitted applications to host a sports betting kiosks at their facilities. The entire list can be found by searching the state’s license ePortal.

Businesses that submitted applications before Aug. 16 will have the ability to launch their kiosks on Jan. 1, 2023, Ohio sports betting’s universal start date. Applications submitted on Aug. 16 or later are not be guaranteed a position for the universal start date if a license is awarded.

The vast majority of applicants for sports betting kiosks were Ohio bars and restaurants. One of the requirements to be eligible for a sports betting kiosk host license is to hold a valid liquor permit. Businesses that meet all the following requirements are eligible to host kiosks:

  • Holds a valid D-1, D-2, or D-5 liquor permit.
  • Holds a valid lottery sales agent license.
  • Have a current recommendation for licensure by the Lottery.
  • Are a for-profit corporation or association.